‘Kheleo’ is mascot of the U-17 World Cup

PRAFUL PATEL WAS AT A LOSS FOR WORDS WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE REASON BEHIND NICOLAI ADAM’S REMOVAL AS COACH OF THE U17 TEAM

NEW DELHI: With 238 days to go until the start of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, Indian sports minister Vijay Goel and All India Football Federation (AIFF) chief Praful Patel, revealed a clouded leopard called ‘Kheleo’ as the official mascot of the tournament at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Frodau.

To commemorate Kheleo’s first public appearance, Vijay Goel said, “We are sure that he will be one of the most memorable mascots a sporting event in India has ever seen. Kheleo is young, vibrant, enthusiastic and a perfect representation of our country. He will help us involve kids with football in a fun way.”

On the other hand, Praful Patel was at loss for words when he was asked about the reason behind Nicolai Adam’s removal as the coach of the national under-17 team. The federation had asked the German coach to step down from his position just months before the World Cup.

Patel, however, stood firm saying federation’s decision to part ways with the German was the best amicable solution under the given circumstances.

“The friction between the coach and players had reached a level where it was difficult to reconcile. It wasa hostile atmosphere when we received the complaints from the players. We acted swiftly. It was best in the interest of the team”, he said.

He asserted Adam’s exit will have no impact on the team. “When the new coach joins the team, to bridge the gap between him and players we will take the services of Bhaichung Bhutia and former players.”