On Mann Ki Baat, Modi talks about cricket, football and leisure

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017 is a big chance to present the Indian brand on the global level.

Prime Minister Modi, who was addressing the nation in the 18th edition of his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, said India is going to host under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017.

"It is an opportunity for us to instill our youth with passion of football. Due to the tournament that we are hosting, we will get an opportunity to create good sporting infrastructure also. I believe that FIFA Under-17 World Cup is a big chance for us to present brand of India on global level," he said.

"We must make efforts to see to it, football reaches every corner of country. It is a golden opportunity to establish the country's identity in the world. I would like every youth of the country to become ambassador of 2017 FIFA Under-17," he added.

Modi also congratulated the M.S. Dhoni-led Indian cricket team for their wins against Pakistan and Bangladesh in the ongoing World T-20 tournament and conveyed his best wishes for today's match against Australia.

The Prime Minister began his speech by conveying Easter greetings to the nation. "I extend my heartiest Easter greetings to all," he said.

Modi also said there is a great potential of employment generation through tourism. He congratulated the Coal India Limited (CIL) for creating an eco-friendly mine tourism destination.

"India's youth is now curious and adventurous enough to travel, they want to go to a new place, they want to see something new. There is a great potential of employment generation through tourism. We can create opportunities for millions of youth through tourism," he said.

"Travel teaches us a lot. What we can't learn in our homes, class rooms or among friends, sometimes we get to learn during travelling. It is rightly said that 'a traveller without observation is a bird without wings'," he added.

Prime Minister Modi also acknowledged the fact that India lacks behind other countries in creating employment in the field of tourism.