Kerala Blasters – this is the name that the Master Blaster has chosen for the Kochi franchise of the Indian Football Super League that he co-owns.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy together announced the name to newspersons here this afternoon.
‘Kerala Blasters Football Club’ is the expanded nomenclature. Earlier, Tendulkar met with the Chief Minister at the State Secretariat and held discussions.
Tendulkar has also accepted the Chief Minister’s request for being the Goodwill Ambassador for the 35th edition of the National Games scheduled to be held in the State early next year.
He said this was a great honour for him and the gesture was highly appreciated.
Tendulkar also called on Leader of the Opposition VS Achuthanandan who praised his efforts to promote football after having a terrific stint with cricket.
Speaking to newspersons, Tendulkar said that the Kochi franchise of the India Football Super League intended to provide international training to 1.25 lakh youngsters selected from the State.
Though he played cricket, he had a passion for all other team games such as hockey and football. Just as in the case of West Bengal, he found in Kerala a fountainhead of talent and passion for football.
He thanked the people of Kerala for the enormous show of love and concern for him. He sought their support and blessings for the Kerala Blasters Club.