In an attempt to avert embarrassment due to empty stands, India, on Friday, gave away 27,000 tickets for the opening games of the Under-17 World Cup in New Delhi.

This comes considering the fact that the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India were marked by vast open spaces in Stadiums.

Even though Brazil, England, Spain, Germany and other top teams would be in, sales of tickets for the World Cup have been disappointing.

A member of the Organising Committee said “We have given away 27,000 tickets to schools around the Delhi Region, and will also provide ‘Pick and Drop’ facility. It will be embarrassing for us if the Stadium looks empty.”

The Tournament saw Ghana edge past Colombia 1-0 in the first game of the day, in Delhi. The Games have been scheduled to run until 28^th October.