Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar called on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at his office here on Thursday, seeking support of the Kerala government ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL) football tournament. Sachin owns the ISL team Kerala Blasters.
Accompanied by his wife, Tendulkar, who co-owns Kerala Blasters -- the Kerala franchise in ISL -- found it tough to make his way to his vehicle as he was mobbed by the media and onlookers.
"We came to invite the CM to the inaugural match of the new season to be held in Kochi on the 17th," Tendulkar said after meeting Vijayan.
After meeting the CM Sachin spoke to media saying, “The foot balls season is really big special for Kerala. We are hosting a big tournament and we need good wishes, support and blessings. So we wanted cm to be present at the inaugural function. Not just the CM, I expect all of you to be present for the tournament.”
The cricket legend also added that, “Lasts season was exciting and players played indeed very well. Despite of some tough times along the way the team stuck together and played some quality football. It’s not always about winning matches, a player should win heart as well. There are about 1800 children in Kerala who aspire to be part of Kerala blasters. I hope you support us.”
After the meeting, Vijayan posted a picture of Tendulkar on his Facebook page. Tendulkar had met Vijayan last year too. Following which Sachin had announced his decision to open a football academy in Kerala.
The 2017-18 season of the ISL will see two more teams and will run for around five months, much longer than the previous editions.