Kolkata :The upcoming international friendly against Brazil will carry an added sense of occasion with two much-loved figures of Indian football, Inivalappil Mani Vijayan and José Barreto, set to grace the occasion as Goodwill Ambassadors and carry the official match ball onto the pitch ahead of kickoff.
The presence of the two former footballers will add a special dimension to the fixture, bringing together different generations of Indian football. Their presence as Goodwill Ambassadors, along with the honour of carrying the match ball to the pitch, will reflect the values of unity, sportsmanship, camaraderie and respect that the game represents.
The occasion also comes at a particularly special time for Kolkata, where the arrival of two footballing giants, Brazil and Uruguay, has added a distinct vibrancy to the city. With the festive season in Bengal just around the corner, the back-to-back international fixtures have turned the city into a grand celebration of football, bringing together fans, communities and generations in a shared sporting experience.
The presence of Brazil and Uruguay in Kolkata offers a huge opportunity to celebrate the city’s deep-rooted love for the beautiful game, while creating a memorable beginning to what is already a much-anticipated festive period. The energy surrounding the two fixtures reflects the unique place football holds in the cultural fabric of Bengal.
Padmashree awardee I.M. Vijayan, one of the most celebrated names in Indian football, and José Barreto the former Brazilian and Mohun Bagan legend, who holds a special place in the hearts of Indian football fans, have both left a lasting mark on the sport through their careers and their contribution to its growth in the country. Their presence lends even greater prestige to this FIFA international friendlies.
The match-ball presentation will provide the two footballing personalities an opportunity to represent the spirit of the game beyond the 90 minutes on the field. Their presence will underline the sense of togetherness and celebration that surrounds the fixture.
With two iconic figures of Indian football adding their presence to the occasion and ushering the ceremonial ball onto the pitch, the encounter promises to be a celebration of the game both on and off the field, writing another special chapter in Kolkata’s welcome for Brazil and Uruguay alongside the vibrant festive atmosphere taking shape across Bengal.
India will face Brazil on October 3 followed by Uruguay whose many arrived at Kolkata yesterday, on October 6.
