On ISL’s Opening Day, Kochi Scores Full Marks Again

KOCHI:
If it was breathtaking for even those who have witnessed it before, then the reactions on the faces of those who soaked in the Kochi atmosphere for the first time at the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) opener were nothing less than expected.
The streets were packed almost five hours before kick-off on the approach to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi for the match between Kerala Blasters and ATK as the Hero ISL’s 4th season kicked off on Friday, and people had already made their way into the stadium by 4pm for the 8pmkick-off.
By the time Kerala’s new head coach Rene Meulensteen came out to savour the atmosphere, the stadium was already packed with two hours left for the game to start. That the likes of Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Mammootty and Sachin Tendulkar were in the house to wow the crowd made it even better.
“I’ve been in the UK for many many years and seen a lot of things (in football) but to be honest, I’ve never ever witnessed a ceremony so well put together. It is something that will go all over the world and credit to the crowd and those who were part of it. Absolutely fantastic,” the Dutchman said.
The match ended goalless but it had its fair share of chances with both teams, as Kerala striker Iain Hume put it, eventually “not risking too much” as it came to an end. Hume has of course been one of Kerala’s favourites since his time in the first Hero ISL season, and was facing his old teammates. He was still given the loudest cheer when line-ups were announced.
“It’s phenomenal, especially with the ceremony it was a carnival atmosphere. I can honestly say that there’s nothing that I’ve witnessed in world football that compares to the fans here,” he said. Both Hume and ATK manager Teddy Sheringham joked that it seemed there were surely more than 37,462 fans in the stadium.
“It was great to play in front of a full house, very exciting. The atmosphere at 6 PM for an 8 PM kickoff was also great. This is why I came to India,” said the former Manchester United player.
The Blasters next play in Kochi on November 24 against Jamshedpur FC while ATK host FC Pune City on November 26.