Chairperson at Football Sports Development Limited, Nita Ambani, on March 13 expressed delight on delivering an uninterrupted and successful season of Indian Super League 2020-21 for football fans.
“Season 7 has been a tribute to the real power of sport, the true glory of football,” said Ambani in a video message ahead of the season finale.
“In spite of the global pandemic, despite the odds against us, the fear and uncertainty, this season of ISL has brought immense joy, cheer and celebrations back into our lives,” she added.
An approximate of 1600 people including footballers, support staff, club and ISL management and broadcast crew were housed in the bio-bubble over a period of 6 months with close to 70,000 RT-PCR tests conducted by the league.
ISL season 7, which kicked off on November 20, 2020, has achieved a unique distinction of running a full four months of uninterrupted footballing action featuring 11 clubs with an increased number of games from 95 to 115.
The entire season was played out behind closed doors at three stadiums in Goa under the strictest bio-bubble safety protocols.
Speaking on the ISL’s fan engagement, Ambani said: “We missed our fans dearly in the stadium, but they were with us digitally and in spirit all along the season. Thank you to each and every one of you in Goa and for supporting and showing your love for the beautiful game. And thank you for reaffirming our faith that sport truly has the ability to unite, to delight, and to inspire the world.”
On young talents, Ambani said: “I am glad to see so many young boys coming through the ranks in ISL. The likes of Liston Colaco, Akash Mishra, Rahul KP, Asish Rai, Bipin Singh, Jeakson Singh and Apuia have shown the character and determination to make it big. These boys will take young India forward on the global stage.”
