KOLKATA: In normal circumstances,
I-League
qualifiers wouldn't have grabbed too much attention. The two week-long meet - from Thursday to October 19 - will get the 2020-21 football season underway. More importantly, it will mark the resumption of on-field national-level competitive sporting action in India, more than six months after Covid-19
pandemic
had brought sport to a grinding halt.
The I-League will offer different complexities owing to longer duration, but the qualifiers played under strict protocols will surely act as a dress rehearsal and probably also a benchmark for other sporting events.
The sporting fraternity is sure to keep an eye on how things pan out.
Five teams - ARA FC, Bhawanipore FC, Garhwal FC, FC Bengaluru United, and Mohammedan Sporting Club - will play each other once in round-robin format at Salt Lake and Kalyani Stadiums. Only one team will make the I-League cut.
The teams have been in bio-bubble at a city hotel since September end. Covid-19 tests before entry and during the course of the meet are part of the SOPs. A few players have been quarantined after testing positive. There are other norms that teams have to adhere to while the
AIFF
has introduced the five-substitution rule, being followed in many top leagues.
Despite the restrictions, teams are raring to go. City clubs MSC and Bhawanipore are in action on the opening day with the latter facing FC Bengaluru United and MSC locking horns with Garhwal FC. While MSC, under new management and coach, will hope to get promoted after six years, ARA aim to be the first team from Gujarat to make the I-League.
Bhawanipore, with a bunch of promising players, will also target to be in big league. Delhi-based Garhwal, who impressed in 2nd division league prior to Covid-19, will look to continue their form in the qualifiers. Bengaluru, with a combination of experience and local talent, will surely be a team to watch.
Although MSC are tipped as the favourites, all the teams look balanced. Back after a long gap, it remains to be seen whether the players can shake off the rust quickly.
India U-17 World Cupper Anwar Ali's comeback isn't going to happen after failing to get green light on medical grounds.
Given the circumstances, a lot is at stake for the teams and AIFF. If the tournament goes through smoothly, two teams will have reasons to cheer on the final day: The champions and AIFF.
Start a Conversation
Post comment