Officials in India claimed the decision to award the tournament to them ahead of Ireland, South Africa, Ireland and Uzbekistan had the potential to change the course of the sport's future in what is the second most populous country in the world behind China.

"This is what we have been waiting for," said Praful Patel,  President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) 

"FIFA has been extremely supportive of our ambitions and taking Indian football to world level.

"Hosting a tournament of such a stature will help galvanise the face of Indian football among the masses and youth of the country."

The tournament, which first took place in 1985 when China hosted it, was this year held in United Arab Emirates last month when Nigeria won the Cup for a record fourth time. 

The 2015 event is due to take place in Chile.

Nigeria lifted the Under-17 World Cup for a record fourth time in the United Arab Emirates last month ©Getty Images

Shaji Prabhakaran, FIFA Development Officer for South and Central Asia, claimed the Under-17 World Cup would lead to an increase in interest in local football in India and help the sport establish itself in a country obsessed with cricket.

"This tournament may be a game-changer, it will give a great push towards India's ambitions to become a footballing nation," he said.

"It will put India in the limelight of world football.

"The hardwork will start now, but I feel the AIFF and all the stakeholders together can make the tournament a success."

Jordan were chosen ahead of Bahrain, Uruguay and South Africa to host the women's Under-17 World Cup in 2016. 

It will be the  first time an official FIFA women's World Cup event at any level will have been staged in the Middle East.

"By granting Jordan the honour of hosting this tournament, FIFA is investing in football development that would have immeasurable positive impact on the progress of women's football not only in Jordan, but also across the region," said Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein., FIFA vice-president and President of the Jordan Football Association (JFA).

"Jordan, from its people to its public and private sectors, has set its heart on embracing this opportunity.

"We are very appreciative to FIFA for their support and we hope to deliver an outstanding Under-17 Women's World Cup that sets the bar for FIFA events in the Middle East and makes both FIFA and Jordanians proud.

"I would also like to thank all my colleagues in the Jordan Football Association who worked tirelessly to prepare Jordan's bid, congratulations to you and to all Jordanians for this win."

The last Under-17 FIFA Women's World Cup took place in Azerbaijan when France beat North Korea in the final in Baku ©FIFA via Getty Images

New Zealand hosted the inaugural Under-17 Women's World Cup in 2008 which was followed by Trinidad and Tobago in 2010 and Azerbaijan in 2012, where France emerged as the winners.

Costa Rica will host the 2014 edition of the tournament which is due to run from March 15 to April 5 .

The FIFA Executive Committee have been meeting ahead of the draw in Bahia for the 2014 FIFA World Cup which takes place tomorrow.

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