Beach Soccer launched in India

The first-ever professional beach soccer tournament was launched in India recently. The Barefoot Fest 2013 will take place from 5th-10th February in Goa at the Calangute beach. The trophy was unveiled today at the official press conference, which was attended by eminent dignitaries Joseph Sequeira, Michael Lobo (MLA, Calangute Bardez), Dr. Rufino Monteiro (Chairman- GFDC), Elvis Gomes (Executive Director – SAG, Vice President – GFA & Member Secretary – GFDC), Bruno Coutinho (Former Indian Football captain) and Kuldeep Gaonkar (Station Head-92.7 BIG FM). Mr. Udit Sheth (MD & CEO TransStadia) was also present at the event.

The five-day tournament will feature 64 teams, with teams from I league clubs too taking part. The matches are played on a knock-out basis, with the winner walking away with a cash price of Rs 75,000.

Former Indian captain and the tournament director Mr. Bruno Coutinho, said: “As someone who has been with the sport for many years, it is a proud moment for me to witness professional beach soccer making inroads into the country. I trust that the sport will transform the Indian football community and that players will take to the sport right away.”

The event will also have the entertainment factor attached to it, with famous music artists performing at the venue. The whole event has been packaged as a fun-filled event, with lots of glamour and entertainment to go with the entertaining football on the beaches.

Mr. Udit Sheth – MD & CEO TransStadia said: “This is a tremendous launch of Beach Soccer and it promises to be a grand set up with blend of sport, music and entertainment at the Barefoot Festival. I am confident that this platform will give our players an opportunity to compete on a sustainable and scalable platform of competition.”

Sportskeeda is the official media partner for the event.