Baichung bats for U-17 IFA tournament in upcoming years
The IFA Shield is the most distinguished and historic football tournament in India.
Keeping in mind the increase in viewership of football in India and the IFA Shield in recent times, a U-19 Tournament was started two years ago.
To spread the popularity of LG IFA Shield U-19 Football Tournament beyond the borders of Bengal, some of the group matches of the tournament will be played in Kerala and Goa.
It has been officially declared that ten teams will be participating in the tournament, competing against each other over four weeks, commencing on Feb 16. Few of them include Kingfisher East Bengal Club, Mohun Bagan A.C., Md.Sporting Club, United Sports Club and U-19 team of All India Football Federation.
Besides these five teams, discussions are on with a team from Kerala, a team from Goa, Crystal Palace FC and one other overseas team.
UK Ganguly, Hony. Secretary of IFA (WB) told a press conference, "The development of youth football is essential for improving the performance of Bengal football as well as Indian football and the LG IFA Shield U-19 Tournament 2015-2016 will provide an opportunity for the most talented U-19 players of the country to showcase their performance."
He added, "LG, apart from supporting the tournament as the Title Sponsor, has planned various promotional activities to create interest for the tournament and we hope that the football loving people of Bengal will extend their support for the tournament by watching the matches in large numbers and cheering for their favorite teams in person.”
Former Indian football skipper, Bhaichung Bhutia, as Special Invitee, said, "Kolkata and football are synonymous with each other and it is great honour to be here for the LG IFA Shield U-19 Tournament 2015-2016. It gives me immense pleasure in promoting a game that is close to my heart and embedded into the socio-cultural fabric of the city. I would be beholden if the IFA introduces the U-17 Football Tournament also in the upcoming year.”
Niladri Datta, Head Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics; Footballer Dibyendu Biswas, Tollywood actress Mimi Chakraborty were also present on the occasion.
Bhaichung Bhutia along with the others unveiled the shield and launched the CD of the theme song sung by Rupankar Bagchi.
Mohun Bagan A.C. was the first team to relish the victory of IFA Shield in 1911, which gave a boost to the Indian freedom movement. It is the fourth oldest club cup competition in the world after the English and Scottish FA cup’s and the Durand cup.
(Reporting by Suchismita Roy)
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