Former India captain and AIFF Technical Committee Chairman, IM Vijayan mentioned that the upcoming season of the I League might be a historic one after the introduction of alternatives to earn promotion to Indian Super League (ISL). Former India captain and AIFF Technical Committee Chairman Vijayan didn’t simply make historical past with the National Team, but in addition on the membership stage. He was a part of the title-winning JCT staff within the inaugural National Football League (NFL) season in 1996-97.

With the introduction of alternatives for promotion to the Hero Indian Super League as per the Roadmap authorised by the AFC, this season can be one thing of a brand new starting for the Hero I-League, in accordance with Vijayan.

“I-League has always been one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country and the upcoming season is going to be a historic one. I have very fond memories of the inaugural NFL season in 1996-97 with JCT. We won the league and were thrilled to witness thousands of fans whether we played in Kerala, Goa or Kolkata,” mentioned the three-time AIFF Player of the Year as per a press launch from I League.

Vijayan is delighted with the truth that Gokulam Kerala might be taking part in their first few dwelling video games out of Manjeri this season. “Manjeri getting to host I-League matches is fantastic news for Malappuram. The local crowd is very passionate about football and I am sure they will throng the stadium in numbers like they did during the Santosh Trophy.”

Spurred on by the unbelievable ambiance, Kerala lifted the Santosh Trophy in April this yr with a win over Bengal within the ultimate. The Malappuram followers at the moment are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Hero I-League to the town.

Promoted

The earlier two I-League seasons have been held totally in Kolkata as a result of pandemic and have been received by Gokulam Kerala on each events, thus turning into the primary staff from Kerala to win the competitors. “It was unprecedented for a team from Kerala to win back-to-back I-League titles in Kolkata. This season will be a special one for Gokulam as they return home in front of their fans as two-time defending champions,” added Vijayan.

The former India striker admitted that the opportunity of an ISL derby in his dwelling state between Gokulam Kerala and Kerala Blasters does make him excited. “If Gokulam Kerala win the I-League again and gets promoted to the ISL, it will be a big turning point in Kerala’s football history. The Kerala derby has all the potential to be one of the most passionate derbies in India. Gokulam will get a lot of support from the Malabar region,” Vijayan concluded.