Kolkata owners keen on instant ISL success

Kolkata ISL franchise owners keen on success in inaugural season

The Kolkata franchise owners had their first official interview on Monday in the city of Joy. It was clear from their words that they want to make a mark in the upcoming inaugural edition of the Indian Super League starting in September later this year. The Kolkata franchise was bought by the joint venture of Sourav Ganguly, Harshvardhan Neotia, Sanjiv Goenka, Utsav Parekh and Athletico Madrid.

Harshvardhan Neotia, the chairman of the Ambuja Realty group said, “We want to win the League this year itself. We will of course discuss our plans with the State Government. We will need the support from the State as they will have a say in the infrastructure development and the venues.”

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly also commented on the topic and also emphasized the fact that the help from the State Government is necessary. He said,” We have to know which grounds will be available. We will need support from the State. We hope to be able to use the Salt Lake Stadium as a venue, though nothing has been finalized as yet.”

When asked about the plans of infrastructure development which was a criterion for the bid, Neotia said,” IMG- Reliance, organizers of the league, will give us the guidelines and we will have to implement it here. But it is too early to say anything definite.”

Sourav said, “Infrastructure, of course is important. At the end of the day, you need a good ground, a net, a ball and a set of good players who are willing to play. That what creates good footballers. It is true for all sports.”

Sanjiv Goenka said,” We were born and brought up in this city. We owe everything to Calcutta. It’s time to pay back. We need to give the citizens something to be proud of.”