The I-League is set to enter its second season today. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has scheduled all the games on weekends in its bid to give enough rest to the teams and attract more crowds to the stadium.
The league is being conducted in four cities or states – Goa, Kolkata, Mumbai and Hoshiarpur. While having the games on weekends ensure a longer league, as opposed to be the crammed schedule of last season where the teams didn’t have breathing space between two games.
The players would get enough recovery time and the coaches would be in a better position with their selection issues and injury worries in the squad.
“This is a good sign as it helps us as a player to have more time before the next game. The coaches also can plan in a better way as they can focus on each opponent,” says Mumbai FC’s Abhishek Yadav.
With the games on weekend, a football fan in India would have to decide between the English Premier League (EPL) and the I-League. Take this weekend for example, Mohun Bagan face Mumbai FC at the Barasat Stadium while Manchester United take on Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford.
Most fans would opt for the latter option as it promises a good coverage, better quality football, and there is a good amount of advertisement done for the same. Of course, for the I-League to match the standard of football in the EPL would take time; but what can definitely be done is that the game be advertised in every nook and corner.
Give an option to the football lovers in India and let them be aware that there is something called as an ‘I-League!’ I came across quite a lot of football fans who aren’t aware of the I-League and don’t know as to when the matches are being broadcasted.
Coach Bob Houghton had earlier made an interesting point.
“Blanket coverage of the English Premier League does not favour us. I have noticed that certain leagues in Asia have suffered because of Premiership domination and coverage. People here wear Manchester United and Chelsea shirt but not Dempo shirt.
”We would love to watch better games but to have five live games every weekend is not good. Comparison between the Premier League and the I-League does not favour us.”
My point is how would anybody buy a Dempo shirt if they don’t see them playing every week in and out. If they don’t know who is playing in Dempo, why would anyone be interested?
Most fans in India follow stars than the clubs. Generally when you ask someone which club you gun for, the answer would be, “I love Arsenal because of Fabregas or I love Manchester United because of Ronaldo.”
Bollywood personalities or, in American lingo, socialites have an opinion on almost everything. I had seen an interview of a famous Bollywood star during the Euro 2008 where he mentions the names of ‘Bhaichung and Chhetri’ as amongst his favourite Indian stars.
I am pleased to know that Bhaichung and Chhetri’s names were taken but can they name any other player? Not that the Indian striking duo aren’t the best but they are the only recognizable faces and certainly, you would receive the same answer if you question another celebrity.
Indian players aren’t well known. Please don’t blame the media as they have done their part. Almost all the major news dailies have had a good build-up for the I-League. But is that enough? There are no banners to be seen, no billboards, no posters and much more. The marketing aspect has been completely missing except for some odd ad on Zee Sports, the official broadcaster, with Sunil Chhetri and Alvito D’Cunha.
Zee Sports is primarily available only to those who have a Dish TV connection which automatically narrows the reach. Dish TV doesn’t provide Neo Sports, which broadcasts all the cricket games played in India. Cricket being the number one sport, there is no question that a sports fan wouldn’t opt for Dish TV unless he or she is completely hooked onto Indian football.
The question arises as to who would spend on the marketing and without saying, everyone would point the other. With such an attitude it would be hard to compete.
Everyone wants corporate investment in football. Why would anyone want to invest, if they don’t get the value for their money? The I-League would continue to have ONGC as its official sponsor and thast would be it.
I am not being critical but if that helps then why not? Just an hour away from the kick-off, I hope everything is sorted for the better and I-League becomes popular. I am waiting for everthing to fall in it's place and I pray that this wait isn't as long as 'Waiting For Godot!'
I hope...
By..Rahul Bali.
Courtsey--Goal.com
