In a major boost to the game of football in the country, India has announced its candidature to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The All India Football Federation (AIFF), the football governing body in the country, brought to light the development at an event in New Delhi on Wednesday. The event was attended by AIFF president and FIFA council member Praful Patel and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju.

"It has taken a lot of hard work to reach the level we are at today, where we can think of hosting international events year on year. The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India left an indelible mark on our country and we're now working towards ensuring FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup go down as two of the most successful women's international football tournaments.

“We're continuously working on infrastructure upgradation and football development, and India would be honoured to be selected as the host for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. It is an unparalleled opportunity to take Asian football to new heights and create a Brighter Future Together, for India, for the AFC and for our whole continent,” Mr Patel said at the event.

The event also witnessed the roll-out of the logo for the 2027 Asian AFC Cup, the Royal Tiger, representing the ambition, commitment, focus and spirit of the bid.

Meanwhile, Mr Rijiju said: “We have extensive experience over the last two decades of successfully planning, organising and staging some of the world’s biggest sporting events and are looking forward to hosting two more big events in 2022 - the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and AFC Women's Asian Cup. I assure you that all government support will be given in getting this tournament to India, and making it a memorable one for everyone involved."

The 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India was the most attended FIFA youth tournament in history with a record turnout of 1.34 million spectators. Joining hands with the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) through the slogan “Brighter Future Together”, the AIFF would hope for winning the bid and see even greater success in a country considered one of the fastest emerging football markets in the world.