JSW's Bengaluru FC arrives with a bang

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The newest entrants into the I-league, JSW Sports put on a show worthy of the best as they launched their team, Bengaluru FC in a spectacular and extravagant manner at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday.
Under dazzling lights following the wonderful performances from Swarathma, a local musical group, as Bengaluru FC came into existence, it was hard not to get caught up in the moment.
JSW also unveiled their squad, the team logo and the team colours on a glitzy evening the presence of All India Football Federation president Praful Patel and A.R. Khallel, the Karnataka State Football Association president, among others.
With the I-league going through major changes in its format leaving teams struggling to cope with the financial requirements, the arrival of Bengaluru FC has come as a breath of fresh air.
According to Jindal, their primary vision is to contribute to football. “We are going to create a buzz.
Competition between clubs is good for improving the sport,” said Sajjan Jindal, chairman and managing director of JSW.
The desire to go one-up on the other teams, putting in more effort and financial resources into football is the owners’ ultimate dream.

“We are in it for the long haul,” Sajjan confirmed.
In addition to committing to the club, JSW has also taken up the challenge to meet the AIFF criteria and improve the Bangalore Football Stadium to the FIFA-approved standards and start an academy.
AIFF president Patel expressed his happiness at the new addition to the I-league.
“Indian football needs to come back to the level it was t before, and this is the first step,” Patel remarked.
Boosted by big name signings such as Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri, coach Ashley Westwood has high expectations from the side but winning the I-League is not the only objective.
“It’s not just about winning the I-league, but also the future,” Westwood observed while admitting to limitations in Indian football.
Westwood believes that with the right education, inputs, and improved facilities Indian football has a bright future.
While many are optimistic at the appointment of a foreign coach in the Ileague, the doubters were put to rest by Westwood’s unassuming ease. “Football is the same game everywhere in the world. Two goal posts, 22 players.” JSW Sports and Bengaluru FC have made a rocking start.
Time to infuse energy, enthusiasm: Praful Patel

It is time to infuse new enthusiasm and energy into the I-League: Praful Patel
DC CORRESPONDENT
For AIFF president Praful Patel, the launch of Bengaluru Football Club, was just what the doctor ordered for the cash starved I-League.
“It is time to infuse new enthusiasm and energy into the I-League,” said Patel. “Indian football needs to come back to the level it was before, and this is the first step.” With a majority of the clubs unable to get anything in return and that being a big problem for the owners, JSW Sports’ cash flow does not appear over the top by the AIFF president. “It’s a chicken and egg situation,” he replied, “invest and you will gain”.
Patel also touched base on the winds of change brewing in Indian football currently. “This is the toughest time for AIFF,” Patel said “because we are moving out from the old style to a new set-up.” According to Patel, the new AIFF demand that all clubs must have must FIFA-standard stadiums over the next five years will ultimately help the sport and the players. “Good infrastructure means better timings,” he said, talking about the scheduling.
“AIFF is planning to bid for the World Club Championship in 2017-2018,” the football chief revealed to a big applause. “Let’s go to the real global arena.”