The Hindu : Sport : Federation Cup begins today

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Sep 04, 2007
ePaper

Sport

Sport

Federation Cup begins today

Vijay Lokapally

Lop-sided draw, the lone drawback

Mohun Bagan, East Bengal among the teams to watch
The tournament can stoke the Kolkatan-Goan rivalry

LUDHIANA: A galaxy of stars, famous for their shooting and dribbling skills, will descend on this busy town, known more for its passion for Mercedes than any association with football, a universally beautiful game and just about promising to capture the imagination of the young generation in India.

The recent Nehru Cup triumph has been a great advertisement for Indian football and some quality stuff at the Federation Cup, sponsored by Hero Cycles, here could go a long way in reclaiming the interest of the masses.

Top class competition returns to Punjab, once a force to fear in Indian football. Players like Jarnail Singh, Inder Singh, Parminder Singh were household names when football enjoyed a pride of place in the hearts of sports lovers.

A series of disastrous performances for more than two decades almost pushed football into oblivion in terms of spectator and sponsorship support even though untiring efforts from some committed quarters kept the game alive. The corporate world has shown interest and results have begun to show, even if the progress is slow.

Ambitious players

A bunch of ambitious players, riding high on self-belief and with a refreshing brand of attacking football, have rekindled interest in the game. Two months into the current season, these players will now make their first appearances for their respective clubs to make the country’s premier tournament worthy of its status.

In its 29th year, this is the biggest football tournament of the country, and quite unique. The knockout format is demanding. You have to be at your best right through, no room to relax at all. This pressure to win and survive heightens the intensity and loyalty to clubs means the players strive relentlessly.

Mohun Bagan, the defending champion, East Bengal, Mahindras United and Dempo Club will be the teams to watch. On paper they are best equipped to make the semifinals with JCT, the home team, rated the dark horse. Punjab teams rarely lose at home and JCT has a fabulous track record in front of its supporters. Even though it grabbed the title last year, Bagan was not convincing because it won its last three matches on tie-breaks. The campaign could be different this time. In Baichung Bhutia and Jose Baretto, it has a lethal pair upfront and they are not the only incisive combination.

Huge block

Mahindras will be a huge block for the Kolkata giant. Sporting Clube de Goa will not be a pushover but Mohammedan Sporting and Salgaocar will need to improve considerably in order to make an impact, not to forget Churchill Brothers.

The only drawback in this edition of the Federation Cup is the lop-sided draw. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal find themselves in the same half and the other half threatens to eliminate three Goan teams before the semifinals.

The trend in contemporary Indian football is dictated by the presence of foreigners and the club with best imports obviously stands the best chance to wear the champion’s crown. The tournament has the potential to stoke the rivalry between Kolkata and Goan football.

In recent times, teams from Goa, far more organised, have come out superior. The onus is on Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting to restore the seat of power to Kolkata.

Tuesday’s fixtures: JCT v Vasco (3.30 p.m.), Mohammedan Sporting v Kingfisher East Bengal (6.30 p.m.).