LYF Smartphone presents The Telegraph Cup Football 2016 at CC&FC — powered by Birla Tyres, sportswear partner Performax — got off to a roaring start on May 7, with 64 teams battling it out over three weeks in one of Calcutta’s most prestigious tournaments. The five-a-side corporate tourney has games every day at the club, except on Mondays, with the final scheduled to take place on May 28 — hours before Real Madrid take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final. Keeping in mind the aim of the tournament, which is to foster friendship and camaraderie, there are fashion shows and live performances lined up on weekends, for the participating teams and their families. t2 caught the action on Friday. “It’s amazing that the Merchant’s Cup has become a yearly tradition at the club,” smiled Sunny Puri, CC&FC president.
Ravi Thapa has seen the Merchant’s Cup grow from a seed to a full-grown tree. “Everyone used to come to the club every Sunday and boast about how great they were back in school. So one day after a couple of beers, some people just thought why not start a tournament amongst ourselves?” reminisced the Tournament Director of The Telegraph Cup Football 2016. He took part in the tournament for the last time in 1994, but is far from hanging up his boots. “I still play a bit, mainly for the veterans,” smiled the striker, a Pele fan.
Neville Betreen (far right) is a Merchant’s Cup veteran and was chilling with his Eveready Industries teammates and families. “I’ve been playing here since 1979. I play as a defender, because I cannot run anymore,” he laughed.
Clinton Khanna has been a star off the field. “Well, this is like a carnival for us! We want everyone to come with their families and have a great time,” smiled the CC&FC football captain. “We’ve added a new rule this year — every team must have at least two Under-25 players, to level the playing field,” he added.
Sorry lad, but you have to wait a few more years before you can take part here!
The beer drinking competition is a contest which takes place at the club after the end of the day’s matches. Friday’s winner? Vikram Singh Grewal (far right) who gulped a bottle in less than 10 second! “Calcutta is synonymous with soccer and through this association we celebrate Calcutta’s love for the sport. The tournament helps LYF Smartphone+ to engage with a wide set of smartphone users, specially the youth,” said Sunil Dutt, president, Devices and Sales & Distribution, Reliance Retail.
High Life Management have a team full of youngsters and Yan Law is one of the most talented of the bunch. How many goals has he scored in his first three games? “Twelve, I think (out of the 22 the team has scored)! Could be more, I’ve just lost count,” smiled the Messi fanboy.
Text: Rwitoban Deb
Pictures: Arnab Mondal
