After New Delhi, it was the turn of the city of joy to welcome the India Football Tour on March 12 2016. Post the grand reception it received in the capital, this event was supposed to be a more impeccable success in the home of Indian football.
And indeed, it turned out to be a splendid sporting extravaganza at the IB Block ground, Sector-3 Salt Lake where 32 teams participated in 5-a-side matches with 3 rolling substitutions. The matches were scheduled to start at 8 in the morning.
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There were quite a few spectators who flocked at the ground to witness the players in action. The intensity among the teams and players were visible through the passion and cheering through the entire day. The teams had a fantastic experience playing in such an organised tournament which had some noticeable changes in rules like “No offside” and “Kick-ins instead of Throw-ins”.
“It is such a wonderful opportunity for the young amateur players to endorse their skills in such a tournament. The facilities have been extraordinary and we are enjoying every bit of the action that is going on. I am hoping my team wins the Kolkata leg of the tour”, said the coach of a team who just won their match 1-0.
The spectators were seen appreciating the skills of the players and also directing them to play. A football fan in the stands was quoted saying, “The management has been superb. There should be more of these tournaments so that Indian players can showcase their talent to the world.”
“It is good. I have played in a lot of tournaments, but the facilities these people have provided are very good”, said a player before heading on for his lunch.
“We have tried our best to arrange the tour in a positive manner. This tour can unearth special talents in the country who may represent India in the future. If we can hold such tournaments every year, then it will contribute to the development of Indian football”, stated a member of the management.
Tour heads to Guwahati now
The teams were divided into groups and had league like format before the knock-outs started.
After Kolkata, the Indian football tour heads to Guwahati on March 19. The winners from eight cities will fight it out to earn the tag of Indian champions. The tour finals are scheduled to be held in Goa and is supposed to be graced by global professional scouts from top football clubs.
The finals will be streamed live across the world. The ultimate winner gets a cash prize of three lakhs and will qualify for the Indian qualifiers of the F5WC, the world’s largest 5-a-side tournament.
