I-League 2015-16 launched amidst new sense of positivity
There was no gala opening ceremony, no Bollywood stars, and no first ladies as the I-League 2015-16 was officially launched in a hotel in Kolkata, and yet, there was a sense of hope that this might turn out to be a defining season for I-League as a brand.
“We’ve witnessed an enthralling Hero I-League last season which kept us captivated till the final whistle on 31st May, 2015.
“Definitely, the teams will try to push their limits this season too and strive hard to win the silverware. Champions Mohun Bagan can’t show any signs of complacency as all eight teams will play out of their skins to dethrone them,” All India Football Federation's (AIFF) general secretary Kushal Das said at the launch.
Meanwhile, Hero MotoCorp, who are also the sponsor of the Indian Super League (ISL), have expressed their eagerness to continue supporting the I-League, along with other sporting events across the nation.
“This will be the second year of our association with the I-League and after the exemplary show last season, we are all eagerly looking forward to the upcoming season which kicks off in three days. Over the years, we have continued to support various sporting events in the country and it gives us immense pleasure to be associated with both the Hero ISL as well as the Hero I-League.
“Football is fast emerging as one of the most popular sports among youngsters in the country and we are indeed happy to support the game. After the grand conclusion of the Hero ISL season 2, it is now time for Hero I-League to take centre stage,” Mr. Pawal Munjal, Chairman, MD & CEO, Hero MotoCorp Ltd., was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.
In the 2014-15 campaign, Mohun Bagan edged Bengaluru FC to lift their first national league title since 2001-02. The Kolkata based club's skipper Shilton Paul, who was present at the launch, believes that the club cannot afford to rest on their laurels. He said, “Hero I-League 2014/15 is history now, everyone will be on equal footing on 9th January when the new season of the league kicks off. We’ve got to be on our toes right from the start to win the league again, there’s absolutely no other choice”.
Three clubs withdrew from the tournament in the build-up to the new season – Pune FC, Bharat FC and Royal Wahingdoh – but it will also see the arrival of two new clubs, DSK Shivajians FC and another club from the north-east Aizawl FC. Shillong Lajong midfielder Boithang Haokip is looking forward to the north-east derby matches against Aizawl. He said, “We are very positive, looking forward to the north-east derby against Aizawl” .
AIFF, perhaps for the first time, are looking to spend on a promotion campaign for the I-League. In an attempt to reinvigorate the withering I-League, AIFF has also increased the prize money, the match-winning bonus and the travel and match-day subsidy significantly for the upcoming season.
The champions will be handed over a hefty cheque of Rs. 1 Crore. The first and second runners-up will pocket prize money of INR 60 lakhs and INR 40 lakhs respectively while the fourth-placed team will take home not less than INR 25 lakhs at the end of the league. Clubs will earn INR 50,000 for winning every I-League match in the upcoming league - a substantial increase from last season.
The new season will kickoff with a match between the defending champions Mohun Bagan and Aizwal FC on January 9, at the Salt Lake Stadium (16:30 IST). Ten Sports are the official broadcaster of I-League this season.
#HeroILeague Stay with us for exclusive pics from the gala launch of @ILeagueOfficial 2015-16. IT'S NOT JUST A GAME pic.twitter.com/P0dqnAFdWD
— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) January 6, 2016
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