Wedding Bells to Football Field: Story of a Kerala groom's passion for the game 

We have witnessed the love for football crossing the most extreme limits, number of times. When it comes to Kerala, the passion has no boundaries where people consider the game as a factor that keeps the diverse communities together.

7s football fields and tournaments are an integral part of Kerala's football map, contributing prominent names like Mohammed Rafi and Anas Edathodika to Indian football. The latest tale from a 7s football match in Malappuram, the state's football capital has caught everyone with eagerness.

Last Sunday, 20th of January saw a 7s football player Ridvan from Malappuram, tie the knot. Things were smooth and casual just like any wedding till evening, when Ridvan brought out his real love from within - football. The groom, who plays as a centre-back for FIFA Manjeri, one of Kerala's biggest 7s teams, wanted to appear for his team in a match that night.

FIFA Manjeri was scheduled to face Usha FC Thrissur, in the semi-final of 7s tournament at Malappuram. The game was crucial for FIFA Manjeri who also had the chance of exacting revenge after losing to the same team in another tournament, few days back.

All these, along with the passion made Ridvan shift roles within hours to make sure that his club sails through to the final comfortably. Ridvan's dedication didn't go in vain as FIFA Manjeri beat Usha FC 1-0 to enter the final.

The 23-year-old is familiar with taking stern decisions to make his presence available for the club. The team was in need of a win on Sunday evening and couldn't miss out one more player from the squad. When Ridvan expressed his desire to play that night, his family and the new bride were known to support the defender wholly.

Ridvan's is just a small tale from the 'God's Own Country'. There have been other experiences of people skipping exams, jobs and personal functions to play out their heart. Even the support for 7s tournaments in the state is beyond limits as the local people attach themselves with these and never can we find a tournament played with empty stands.

The 7s tournaments, which has gone through all ups and downs of Kerala football has a lot of emotions attached, both for the players and spectators. This is the factor that brings most big names of Kerala football to the smaller fields, during the off-seasons.