ISL: I’ll take the north-east to the rest of India – Guwahati franchise co-owner John Abraham

Bollywood star John Abraham has talked about the deep passion that the north-east of the country has for football while explaining his decision to bid for the Guwahati franchise of the Indian Super League (ISL). Abraham and I-League outfit Shillong Lajong are the co-owners of the Guwahati franchise.

In an interview with HT, Abraham revealed, “I did it because of the cultural influence of the sport in the region. North-east India is actually the strongest football-following region in the country. Sixty per cent of all national (football) players emerge from there. So there is a cultural and organic growth with ISL clearly visible. From spectators to followers, it’s all there.

“I am very excited about bringing good quality football emerging from this region to the fore. Through the media and other partners, and through ISL, I’ll take the north-east to the rest of India.”

Abraham also owns stakes in the Delhi Waveriders team of the Hockey India League and his love for the beautiful game eventually made him bid for the ISL as well.

“Football has been part of my DNA ever since I was a child. I was a good player, and once even aspired to play for my country. So it’s (the move to buy a team) definitely not ‘now’. Also, I believe, as a country, we need to promote sports and fitness, and football gives me a chance to do both,” Abraham stated.

Abraham has already acted in a Bollywood movie that was made on football and the actor assured that despite his tight schedule, he will manage time for his football team as well. He however pointed out the challenges ahead.

“The biggest challenge for me is to rope in great players to make the game more interesting, and, secondly, I need to build a fan base for the sport. These will be the two key solutions we will work towards achieving. I hope that the sponsors, too, see it as a brand-building exercise as opposed to a short-term investment. Today, football is loved by the youth and is here to stay,” he said.

Abraham, who also trained with IMG-Reliance contracted players last year, explained how investment in the ISL could be a profitable venture.

“Definitely, a profitable venture. Like films, sports are part of our culture. And the professional companies at the helm are going to enhance sports with their fervour and expertise. As a business, it only makes sense to invest in something that is upcoming, and see it grow,” he stated.