Blogging Matters!!! : 'My 5ive' - 5 Things To Twig About A Match

Day 33.

Its another epic moment in the history of Indian sports and Indian soccer, to be more precise. Yes, I am speaking about the historic soccer match which is supposed to happen tomorrow, i.e. Friday, October 7, 2011. There is so much to discuss through this match, so I thought it better to share my views with you fellas.I won't delve much into the history and laurels of these 2 clubs, but focus more on what they'll bring to the table from the sports' economic and development standpoint. So, let the blog begin -

1.) Blackburn Rovers Football Club -

• Established in 1875, Blackburn Rovers F.C. were also founder members of football league in England and finished fourth in the inaugural season of 1888-89.
• On November 19, 2010, Blackburn Rovers were acquired by the Indian company, V H Group through the subsidiary, Venky's London Limited.
• A deal of £23 million, ensured that they bought 99.9% shares.

2.) Pune Football Club - 

• This Indian football club, based in Pune, was established in 2007 and were promoted to the I-League (Indian football League) in the 2009-10 season.
• The Ashok Piramal Group, established in August 2007, the Pune F C.
• The Ashok Piramal Group which has assorted business interests, bought Pune FC with the aid of some of its close associates.

3.) Marketing and Entertainment Value - 

• Is part of an event that has no definite purpose, but to draw the viewer's attention.
• Beyond the game itself, there is a whole terra that exists. I am speaking of the commerce or the business and marketing dimension of soccer.
• This match is being heavily promoted on almost every television sport and news channel. The marketing campaigns for this game have their eyes set on to tot up 'entertainment value'.This entertainment value contributes enormously to the vast appeal of the game.
• To extend these values at all levels, this game needs to foster a gamut of advertising stratagems.

4.) The Indian Picture : Positives - 

• India which is ''real power'' and a possible host for the 2026 World Cup, has a great prospect to capitalize through this match as this match is part of a propaganda to turn India into a major soccer playing nation.
• The steadily rising economy of the country is an attractive market and this has been proven by the escalating investments in soccer over the past couple of years.
• For the development of infrastructure and talent, FIFA already invested $10 million in India. (I reckon this happened before Messi's visit to India last month.)
• Also, Indian corporate giants like Tata Steel have developed training centers for youngsters with impressive facilities.
• Even the Blackburn Rovers, who I already stated are owned by Indian poultry firm, Venky's and having a match with an Indian club is a positive sign in the direction of the sport's development in the country.

5.) The Indian Picture : Negatives -

• Even though India's financial prowess helped it to buy the Rovers, but India simply don't have enough firepower to cause an upset.
• The infrastructure of soccer is minuscule in front of Cricket's gargantuan edifice which is affirmed by the fact that India is not even in 150 soccer teams of the world.
• India was a might to reckon in the 50's but at present, cricket is enthralling every other sport. Hence soccer is not in great demand in India.
• Poor management of the game, obsolete infrastructure are other reasons which have slackened the swelling of the sport of soccer in the Indian State.
• Although, many of us are made to believe that corporates are willing to assist the game, we are living in a world of fantasy.Why? - (1) When Messi along with his team came to Kolkata, not a single International brand showed up for a pre-match programme, giving the cold-shoulder to the sport. (2) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had some international moneybags colligated with them, but  a few of them have terminated their deals with the National League.

Like I said in the beginning, tomorrow's event can define history in the context of Indian sports. We don't have good facilities and a sufficient number of coaches. The authorities need to learn from their mistakes and work with the players, understand their needs. Also, the media needs to contribute to a larger extent, if soccer has to be rejuvenated. This match certainly can help our players discover new tricks and titivate the game of soccer.

Thought Of The Day : - ''If a gem falls into mud it is valuable. If dust ascends to heaven, it remains valueless.''
P.S. - A very happy Dussehra to all the readers (non-readers also) of BM!!!
ref; google images, wikipedia