I-League news: Kalyani group bags franchise rights for a new Pune club

I-League news: Kalyani group bags franchise rights for a new Pune club

New Delhi: Moments after the approval of being a part of the I-League bandwagon, Pune-based corporate giants Kalyani Group expressed their excitement at the development also showing gratitude towards All India Football Federation for deeming them fit to participate in the country’s premier league competition from 2014/15 season onwards.

In a statement, the Pune based multinational company stated that, “The Kalyani group is excited about the opportunity provided by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to participate in I-League.

“The group’s football club from Pune will be a ‘People’s club’ that will give a much needed boost to the sport and will take it to the next level in India and also promote it at the Grassroot level. Football is a sport most loved and watched globally. Kalyani Group, a global engineering conglomerate is proud to support Pune’s entry into the global league of football and bring India into the world map of sports."

“Through I-League, Kalyani Group aims to create further interest in football by bringing people who love football together across age groups. Sports like football is much needed for the people of Pune and will connect youth at the grass root level through various youth development programs. This initiative will also give people of Pune access to world class sports infrastructure and facilities."

“The group will build a pipeline of talent not only for the club but also for Indian football. They are committed to building a team that will compete for top honors and set the benchmark of being a professional Football Club.”

Welcoming the club, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das said; “It’s great to have a reputed corporate like the Kalyani Group on board. We have seen Bengaluru FC scale great heights last season, and I am sure Kalyani Group would also be very enterprising in their endeavour. On behalf of AIFF, I wish them all the luck.”

I-League CEO Sunando Dhar also expressed his views on the matter; “Following BFC’s success last year, we wanted more enthusiasts to come into the Indian Football to promote the I-League.

“It’s great to have Kalyani to be part of I-League. On behalf of AIFF and I-League I would like to take this opportunity to welcome them on board and wish them all the best for their road ahead.”

Now the youngsters, aspiring footballers and all football-related aspirants like coaches, turf staff, stadium managers, etc.  have a great opportunity with the already established Piramal-group owned Pune F. C. and the newly established Kalyani-group owned Pune club. The past two years have seen major developments in the world of Indian football where major MNC's have participated in the cultivation of local football. Only time can tell what the future holds for the country's premier football.