Hosting International Women’s Tournament will inspire more girls to the game: IM Vijayan
Talismanic former Indian
National Team captain IM Vijayan sounded excited, lavishing huge praise on the
collaboration between the Government of Kerala and All India Football
Federation in close coordination with the KFA.
National level
football is all set for a return to God’s own country, with the Kerala
Government and the All India Football Federation agreeing upon terms
“This will act as
a boon to football in the state,” Vijayan commented. “I am very happy to hear
such tournaments are being planned to be hosted in Kerala. It has been a long
time since we have had footballing action in the state, especially due to the
pandemic. People are dying to watch live action.” Vijayan, nicknamed the ‘Black
Buck’ during his playing days, stated.
As an initiative
to popularise women’s football, the Government of Kerala, along with the AIFF
and the Kerala Football Association (KFA), will host an International Football
Tournament in Kochi in December, ahead of the Indian Women’s Team’s AFC Women’s
Asian Cup India 2022 campaign. That comes in addition to hosting the final
round of the Santosh Trophy and a series of other Grassroots and Coach
Education initiatives.
“Gokulam Kerala
will already play in the AFC Women’s Club Championship, and now the Kerala
Government has also opened academies for women. I think hosting an
International Women’s Tournament will further help inspire more women to take
up the sport,” he said. “I am looking forward to it. Well done,” Vijayan
maintained.
India
international CK Vineeth also echoed the sentiments, saying that all the
upcoming footballing activities like hosting the final Round of the Santosh
Trophy, and AIFF and KFA’s support in organising Youth League and Golden Baby
Leagues in the state, football in Kerala will receive a boost.
“Football in
Kerala is already so popular. We have seen so many people throng to the
stadiums. Now, with so many activities set to happen, all these aspiring
players will get an avenue to pursue their dreams,” said Vineeth.
“I think with all
the facilities and help coming in, it will give a huge motivation especially
for the local men and women’s footballers,” he said.
Kerala to International women’s Football tournament in Kochi