KOCHI: FIFA Under-17 World Cup has begun and the football fans in Kozhikode are in a state of wild enthusiasm and frenzy. While the host city, Kochi, has geared up for the match, the preparations in Kozhikode are no less.To provide a live telecast of the match and savour its best moments, Nainamvalappu Football Fans Association (NFFP) will set up a big screen at the Nainamvalappu Government LP School. “As long as India is playing the match, we will be screening the tournament,” says the association president Subair Nainamvalappu.
Talking about the impact of the international event, the president says since it is being held in the country for the first time, the World Cup will boost grass-root level matches and encourage more youngsters to play this beautiful game. “So far, we used to stand divided based on the team whom we favoured. However, the situation is different this time. Our team is playing and we as one will be united in cheering for our players,” he adds. Nearly a quarter of the 100-member club have booked individual tickets for the matches.
“I have booked tickets and will definitely go to Kochi,” says Wahid Sali, a national-level football player and member of the NFFP. He believes the event will eventually place the game on the same pedestal as that of cricket. “Football will receive a wider audience in the country,” he adds.
“I visited Jawaharlal Nehru International stadium a few days back. The preparations are commendable and fans in and around the district are eagerly looking forward to the event,” he says.