The Indian Super League (ISL) has become a beloved destination for Kerala Blasters fans, according to legendary Kerala footballer IM Vijayan. He made this statement during a promotional campaign for the league called ‘Adangathu Avesham,’ which translates to ‘never-ending frenzy’ in Malayalam.
In a short video, Vijayan, a former India striker, expressed his admiration for the ISL, highlighting its role in fostering young Indian talent, particularly from Kerala, Kolkata, and Goa. He emphasized the opportunity for these players to develop their skills in a professional environment. “It’s a great thing that these youngsters are getting a chance to play in a professional setup as that of ISL. It’s the favorite place for Kerala Blasters fans,” he said.
Vijayan also praised the ISL for attracting top international players, allowing young Indian players to learn from and play alongside them. “We have watched top players from foreign countries like Roberto Carlos play on TV. But with ISL, our players got the opportunity to play with such foreigners. Our players want to play more against the top-quality opponents and learn from them. Because of ISL, football will become more popular in India,” he added.
Alongside Vijayan, Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh, also a native of Kerala, shared his love for the beautiful game. The two-time Olympic bronze medalist, a childhood fan of Vijayan, expressed his connection to the sport, stating, “Being a Malayali, football is there in my blood. I’ve been watching football since childhood and IM Vijayan sir is my childhood hero. For me, I was a goalkeeper even when I used to play football.”
These comments from two Indian sports legends highlight the growing popularity and impact of the ISL on Indian football, providing a platform for young talent and inspiring a new generation of fans.
