Do youngsters watch the I-league?

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The much awaited national football league also called the I-league begins on October 22 and goes on till April.

This is a tournament that gives state football players an opportunity to showcase their talent before international players. “It is a tournament that has been taken over by many corporate companies.

This means that it involves a lot of money that goes on to show that our players have more opportunities,” says student, Yashas Chandra. Yashas is also the co-founder of the HAL Bangalore fan club called Green Squadron. They have also designed t-shirts for the fans to show support to the team.

Mumbai Fan Club, HAL Bangalore, Pune Fan Club, Air India, Churchill Brothers and East Bengal Club are some of the outstanding teams of the tournament. Many football enthusiasts feel that Pune FC, fresh out of a brave performance against Blackburn want to build on their growth and become a big club in India.

Khan Thang Paite who plays for East Bengal is one guy to watch out for. “I am hooting for the Serbian striker, Alexander for his experience and Malemngamba Meetei for his space and skill.

Both these players are from HAL Bangalore,” says Yashas. But Jai Prashant, a student and many other youngsters think that Jeje Lalpekhlua will outshine the rest of the teams. Jai says, “Jeje will be the next star to take Indian football to the European league. He is India's next Bhaichung Bhutia.”

Bhaichung Bhuti’s game six years ago got Vaibhav Lampard hooked to this tournament. Vaibhav, a football player says, “Mohammedan Sporting Club from Kolkata will do wonders this tournament as they have a strong squad. Odafe Onyeka Okolie, a new entry on this team will bring this team to the top position.”