I-League kicks-off tomorrow

The fifth edition of the I-League, India's so-called professional football league, is set to kick-off tomorrow across the country with eight of the 14 participating clubs in action on the opening day. The biggest change is that the league has a new logo, if the fans like it or not will have to be seen. I have heard different reactions so far.

The big opening ceremony for this years I-League will be held at the Saltlake Stadium when newly crowned Super Cup champions East Bengal Club take on former champions Churchill Brothers SC though the first few games will have stated before the opening ceremony.

But the fans look forward to an interesting I-League, then it is open in regards to the title contenders and those fighting relegation. Surely defending champions Salgaocar SC, their Goan rivals Dempo SC and Churchill Brothers SC besides East Bengal Club will be amongst the title contenders with Prayag United SC and Pune FC having the potential for surprises, while Mohun Bagan AC will have to sort out themselves before any bigger aspirations.

At the other end of the table Public Sector Undertaking teams like Air India and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC are the top candidates for relegation, but all is possible in football so we look forward to an interesting seven/eight month's of I-League action.


Opening Day matches

Margao: Salgaocar SC vs Dempo SC (3.30pm, Live on TenAction+ & NewsTime Bangla)
Kolkata: East Bengal Club vs Churchill Brothers SC (6.30pm, Live on TenAction+ & NewsTime Bangla)
Pune: Pune FC vs Shillong Lajong FC
Bangalore: HAL vs Chirag United Club Kerala