Kozhikode: The residents of Calicut city were spectators to a very different football experience, National Championship of Futsal conducted by Calicut popular radio station Club FM 104.8. This was Kerala’s first ever National Futsal Championship at Calicut Indoor stadium. Renowned footballer Sandhesh Jhingan was the brand ambassador for the championship which was organised with the Kozhikode District Sports Council and Universal Soccer Academy.
The national Championship trophy was lifted by One Six Calicut under the senior futsal team category, under 12 was won by Orange FA. Zaman and Shinan were adjudged ‘Man of the Tournament’ in senior and under 12 categories respectively.
The official prize distribution ceremony was attended by Minister of Labour & Excise T P Ramakrishnan, MLA Calicut, A Pradeep, Kozhikode District Collector U B Jose and Managing Editor of Mathrubhumi Group P V Gangadharan.
The national futsal championship was a 2-day event, the first day included matches played under 12 academy children consisting of 12 teams under 4 groups. The 2nd day consisted for futsal matches between 8 professional teams of ISL, Indian players from Dubai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Goa, Kozhikode, Thiruvanthapuram. C K Vineeth, Mohammed Rafi, Jayesh Rana, ShaheenLal, T P Rahnesh, N P Pradeep, Rahul Raj, Ali Muhammed were the icons of the team.
The 2 day event portrayed a mesmerizing experience to over 5000 people who screamed the names of their favourite players and celebrated their winning moments.
Speaking on this occasion, Mayura Shreyams Kumar, Program Head, Club FM Calicut said “It has been an amazing experience overall, football has a huge, fervent following in Kerala where love for the sports is passed on from one generation to the next. I’m glad that we could provide a platform for our little champions to showcase their skills and of course our premier players as well.
Futsal, is a shorter, faster version of soccer played indoors with two teams of five – a side, and 20 minute halves. The game is widely played in Latin America, Europe and certain Asian countries, is now gaining popularity in Kerala.
The sponsors for the event were Air India Express, Eham Digital, Impex, Confident Group, Kurlon Mattress, Mukkam Tyres ( Amana Toyota), Raviz Resorts & Hotels, and Aster MIMS.
