The AIFF has planned to inaugurate the I-league this year in a grand fashion. Leander Paes has been appointed as the new Brand Ambassador for Indian football by the AIFF. The official announcement for the same will be made on 22nd October during the Inaugural ceremony.
Bengali band ‘Bandage’, which is lead by a very famous and multi-talented Bengali artist Mir, will perform during the ceremony along with Nachketa who is a cult figure in Bengal known for is satirical and contemporary music that connects with the youth.
Leander Paes and West Bengal sports minister Mr Madan Mitra will kick-off the I League 2011. There will be 50-60 folk instrumentalists showcasing their talent. Efforts are on to bring in cheerleaders.
The AIFF has also hired advertisement-vehicles that will do a round of the city and organise different on-the-spot contests related to Indian football. The prizes will be exciting merchandise of I league, including watches, t-shirts etc. This is a very positive state as it will excite people to come and throng the stadium. But there has been no such effort in other cities than Kolkata and hence the question arises whether Indian football is all about Kolkata and what is the use of promoting the game in a city which is already mad about it.
The Inauguration Ceremony will start at 5 pm.
The East Bengal vs Churchill match kicks-off at 6:30 pm
