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Futsal promises a lot: Vijayan

KOCHI: A few minutes after trying out a few headers on stage, I.M. Vijayan said that futsal — football’s mini five-a-side version, promised a lot of fun.

“It could appeal to youngsters in a big way, like cricket’s IPL,” said the former Indian captain, one of the country’s best players ever.

He was speaking at the launch function of Futsal Friendzy, the five-a-side tournament which will begin in five cities — Kochi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Mumbai and Kolkata — this month.

Each of the five cities will conduct a local tournament with the winning teams qualifying for the grand finale in Kolkata.

The tournament champion will also get a chance to play the Kolkata’s Mohun Bagan. Unlike regular football, futsal matches run for just 40 minutes and the action in Kochi will be on November 23.

“We expect 75 to 100 teams to figure in the Kochi round. We are looking at a ground where we can conduct four or five matches simultaneously,” said Mathew Xavier, Business Head of United Spirits Limited, the tournament sponsor.

“This is our effort to help India regain its glory and popularity in football. This is just a small step.” — Principal Correspondent

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