Heralding yet another milestone for the otherwise cash-strapped Indian sport, a well-known industrialist, Nimmagadda Prasad, a popular film star, Akkineni Nagaruna, a leading film producer, Allu Aravind and the film hero turned politician Chiranjeevi joined hands with the God of Cricket Sachin Tendulkar in the God’s own country! The consortium of investors, formed by the foursome, bought shares in Kerala Blasters, one of the most famous football clubs of the Indian Super League (ISL), to become its co-owners. Later they all went to Tirumala to offer prayers to Lord Venkateswara.
In a statement released by the team, Sachin Tendulkar said: “We are beginning our third season in right earnest and have some of the biggest names coming on board as investors in Kerala Blasters. I welcome Chiranjeevi , Nagarjuna, Allu Arvind and Prasad to this exciting experience which is made more special with the faith and unique place that Kerala Blasters holds in the hearts of millions of its followers.”
The consortium, known for its midas touch in the entertainment and media industry, is equally jubilant with the deal. In a symbolic gesture, they signed a football sporting the team logo and made the KB’s signature gesture by hitting their left hand with the right fist much to the joy of players and media persons. The third season of the ISL is to start from October, 2016.
The megastar Chiranjeevi, whose son Ram Charan Teja owned a Polo team, said: “I have been an aspiring footballer on the reel and I am very excited to be part of a popular club co-owned by Sachin Tendulkar. All of us in Kerala Blasters are committed to expanding the football base in the state and give the potential talent a platform to perform and excel.”
Another film star, Nagarujuna, whose son Akhil is a cricket enthusiast, added: “I have been supporting sports in the country and I am excited to start with football and a very special football team – the Kerala Blasters. I am keenly looking forward to experience the craze for the game in the state and beyond and wish the team the very best.”
Nimmagadda Prasad, who is indirectly responsible for the growth of badminton in Hyderabad thanks to his superb support to India’s chief coach Pullela Gopichand, said, “It is our privilege to be associated with a leading football club in the country, co-owned by some of the greatest names in sports and entertainment. Kerala Blasters is in a unique position in terms of its large committed fan base and legendary names associated with it. It will be our sincere endeavour to realize the true potential of the club and consolidate our position in the hearts of the fans.”
The industrialist and the three film personalities tied up with Sachin after the departure of Potluri Vara Prasad (PVP), who once owned a highly successful Hyderabad Hotshots team in Indian Badminton League (IBL). The PVP’s share and role in this deal are not yet clear.
The Kerala Blasters football club and the Kerala government also agreed to set up a residential football academy in the State to nurture young talent.
This announcement was made at a joint press conference by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Sachin Tendulkar and actors Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna, the new partners of KB FC on June 1, 2016.
“The reason for us to visit the CM today was to make him meet the co-owners and discuss a way forward where the youngsters of the state can benefit. We have been doing this for a couple of yours at the grass root level, where we are working with 40 schools. But, we understand that the interest levels are really high. The Government has agreed to back us and support us in our initiatives for the betterment of young budding sports stars from Kerala. The vision is to have a residential football academy where youngsters can shape their dreams,” said Tendulkar.
The KB FC was founded on 27 May 2014 by Sachin and PVP.
