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What's the story?
Wherever the Indian football team travel, they always find their passionate fans to support them there. India’s mission to Macau was no exception.
It’s a proud reality to see the passionate Indian fans there in Macau, miles away from the heart of the Indian subcontinent. India managed to come away with a 2-0 win to maintain their perfect record in the AFC Cup 2019 third round qualifying, and a big part of the credit should also go to the small but vociferous Indian support.
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Kerala Blasters' fans are among the most passionate and emotional bunch of Indian football fans and they never seem to miss an opportunity to fly the Indian football flag, whether it be in India or abroad.
The heart of the matter
Not an astonishment, those that came to support the Indian football team were Manjappada- the top wing of the Kerala Blasters fans.
The growing Indian football fan culture has already established Manjappada as a traveling group. They went to Macau, made the empty ground vocal and cheered loud for their nation. It’s known fact that they are staunch supporters of Indian football.
Minutes before kick-off, around 20 of them warmed their seats. Soon, Indian football legend IM Vijayan made his visit to the gallery to admire the passion and thanked the traveling supporters for making a visit. Vijayan was also glad that the fans were from his home state, Kerala.
While the Indian football team gave a winning performance, the players were thrilled on seeing the support and were glad to give them a pose to celebrate.
What's next?
The Indian Super League kick starts in mid-November and Kerala Blasters will be once again seen backing their team in full voice and energy. While their support for the Indian team shows how Indian football's popularity transcends national borders, the Manjappada will spring back to its best when the ISL returns later this year for its fourth season.
Author's take
The Kerala Blasters fans' group did a great job supporting the Indian football team in Macau. And these fans are expected to create more impact on Kerala Blasters and ISL in the greater scheme of things. The support for Kerala Blasters, however, doesn’t end with Manjappada only. The Blasters also enjoy support from Blasters Army, Viva Blasters, SouthSoccers among others and their faithful cheering the Indian national team comes as a welcome advert for Indian football as well as Kerala Blasters.
