The inaugural ‘Mahindra 2 Wheelers’ Mizoram Premier League was launched yesterday in the capital Aizawl with Chanmari FC and Luangmual FC playing a 1-1 draw in the opening match played at the Lammual ground.

The off the field kick-off took place on Monday, October 22nd with Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia as guest at the Chanmari YMA Hall, Aizawl. The ‘Kick-Off Programme’ contained entertainment elements with singers and dancers performing. The team captains from the eight participating teams paraded their new jerseys, escorted by models wearing the same jerseys.

In addition to the kick-off by Baichung Bhutia, the Mizoram Premier League Handbook, which details the rules and regulations of the league, was also released. The event was broadcast live by the local cable operator ZONET Cable TV Pvt Ltd.

Baichung Bhutia, addressing the gathering, said Mizoram was fast becoming one of the top football states in India with many Mizo footballers playing in different I-League clubs all around the country. The Sikkimese Sniper also said the Mizoram Premier League would be a hunting ground for the scouts of different I-League clubs looking for fresh talents, and a football club from Mizoram itself could soon play in the I-League in a few years time.

The opening match of the Mizoram Premier League was played by Chanmari FC and Luangmual FC in the presence of Zodintluanga, Minister for Sports & Youth Services Department of Mizoram who was the chief guest, and AIFF Technical Director Rob Baan as the guest of honour.

Rob Baan praised the Mizoram Football Association as well as the Goverment of Mizoram in their effort for the uplifting of football in the state, he also thanked the Sports Minister for building three new artificial turf grounds at their own expense. Baan stressed the importance of grassroots football for the growth and development of football and urged the Mizoram FA to set an example to the rest of the country by introducing their own large scale grassroot development programme.

Before the kick off of the opening game, the Mizoram Football Association organised a big concert at the ground for one and half hours, in which the top singers from the state participated.

Published with permission from Arunava about Football.

Read more Football Articles Read more Arunava Chaudhuri Articles Read more News Articles