WATCH: When Parliamentarians showcased their football skills with Sports Minister Vijay Goel

New Delhi: It is only little over than six months to go before the much awaited FIFA U-17 World Cup kicks-off in the country, but the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Vijay Goel, is all set to promote 'the beautiful game'

In a bid to promote the Mission XI Million Programme for taking the game across India in the run up to the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be hosted in October, Vijay Goel organised Mass Football Distribution Programme for MPs in Parliament.

While Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan kicked-off the event, several other ministers showcased their football skills.

The event was also joined by AIFF president Praful Patel and former Indian skipper Baichung Bhutia.

Here are some of the videos of the parliamentarians showcasing football skills:

 

फुटबॉल के रंग में संसद और सांसद ! Hon'ble Lok Sabha Speaker Smt.Sumitra Mahajan ji kicks off the Mass #Football Distribution Prog. for MPs pic.twitter.com/JmovFFBLgu — Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) March 29, 2017

Through the event, Goel urged the MPs to help in spreading the message by way of organising football tournaments at villages, block and district level. Others who particiapted in the programme include Former Indian captain and Arjuan Awardee, MP Prasun Banerjee. While the retired footballer was busy showing his skills, fellow MPs like Babul Supriyo and Indian football Chief Praful Patel turned Parliament backyard into a mini-stadium.

Former #India football captain, Arjuna Awardee & MP, Sh.Prasun Banerjee showing his love for football, don't miss this one! pic.twitter.com/ve9ghzeRoD — Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) March 29, 2017

Divided by ideology-United by #football! Parliament turns into mini-stadium;check out @SuPriyoBabul's footballing skills! দারুন বাবুল ভাই! pic.twitter.com/y4uBoiNcrj

— Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) March 29, 2017

However, the more fascinating part was when the women MPs also joined in to extend their support towards football and women participation in the game.

 

Our women MPs displaying their skills with #football, extending their support to #FIFAU17WC & sports culture in #India. What a sight! pic.twitter.com/SOTc4tVS7Z — Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) March 29, 2017

The Mission XI Million programme aims at roping in 11 million children across the nation through 15000 schools and mass contact programmes.

"Various activities are being organised across all states to promote and popularise the three phase programme by organising workshops and festivals etc. He said the key idea of Mission XI Million is that every child should have the opportunity to play the world`s most popular sport," he added.

(with agency inputs)