Football in Cochin

Football in Cochin

India is not only crazy about cricket but football finds equal fan following. Cochin is no exception to this. Football has always been a popular game in Cochin. Any visitor to Cochin can often see the sight of young kids playing with football in the locality. Sometimes even the football is not available then the coconut replaces it! In fact, from the 1930s, football in Cochin has got a different perspective altogether. Now it is regarded as the most popular game of Cochin. This fact is proved by the stadiums built in Cochin.

The history of football in Cochin took a new turn with the founding of FC Cochin. It was the first professional football club of India, which raised the bar of football in Cochin. Moreover, it created a sensation in its very inception when it won the Durand Cup in 1997. Mr. P.V. Paul is the Managing Trustee of FC Cochin. The head office of the team is at Kaloor, Kochi. Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Cochin is the home ground of FC Cochin. It uses the stadium for its National League matches and practices.

The stadium which is also known by the name Kaloor International Stadium has a capacity of 60,000 spectators and it was built in 1996 during the tenure of Chief Minister K. Karunakaran. Nehru Cup was the first football tournament held in the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Cochin. The history of football in Cochin witnessed a huge number of spectators during the India/Iraq match. It was about 1 lakh and the stadium was overcrowded. Other stadiums that you can find in a visit to Cochin are Dr. Ambedkar Stadium and the Maharaja College Stadium. Viva Kerala is another football club of Cochin. There is an interesting story behind the naming of this club. A contest was held for naming this football club of Cochin. Dr P. Ramakrishnan of Ernakulam won the contest and the club owes its name to him. Viva Kerala was formed on August 8, 2004 and the club officially started off from August 19 in a ceremony at FACT grounds in Udyogamandal, which is also their practice ground.

So, as a visitor to Cochin do not miss a football match and of course a must visit spot is the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium.

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