The Gujarat State Football Association (GSFA) has launched the Gujarat Super League (GSL), the state’s first franchise-based football league in Gujarat. The president of GSFA and Rajya Sabha member Mr Parimal Nathwani unveiled the GSL trophy amidst a grand ceremony attended by team owners, sponsors and supporters of the GSL.
Mr Nathwani expressed his enthusiasm about the league, stating that it is a major initiative by the GSFA to strengthen football sports in Gujarat. He also highlighted the support from local entrepreneurs and businessmen who readily agreed to own the teams, each of which has been affectionately named. The six teams participating in the inaugural GSL tournament include the Ahmedabad Avengers, Gandhinagar Giants, Karnavati Knights, Saurashtra Spartans, Surat Strikers and Vadodara Warriors.
Mr Nathwani said, “Gujarat is far behind from other states when it comes to popularity of football. Gujarat Super League is a small initiative in direction of making football popular in the state. Currently, there are six teams in GSL and we plan to take it to 12 in coming three-four years.”
The trophy unveiling event underscored a collective commitment to elevate football in the state, with the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) and the Sports Authority of Gujarat as the main sponsor and associate sponsor of the GSL, respectively. The league will see participation from football players across 10 states of India, providing an experience and exposure to the football players of Gujarat.
Since April 15, teams have been training with dedication at IIT, PDEU & GFC, each practice session reflecting the indomitable spirit driving Gujarat towards football excellence.
The GSL tournament is scheduled to take place from May 1 to May 12, 2024, at the EKA Arena, TransStadia in Ahmedabad. Each team will play one match against each other, with the top two teams competing in the final match on May 12, 2024, at 7 p.m.
The GSL promises to be an exhilarating event, offering unforgettable moments for football enthusiasts. The winner of the GSL will receive prize money of Rs. 11 lakh, while the runners-up will receive Rs. 5 lakh. Additionally, the best players in eight different categories will receive a prize of Rs. 25,000 each based on their performance throughout the tournament. To further encourage the players, a daily allowance of Rs. 1500-2000 will be given to them from the start of the practice, as stated by GSFA General Secretary Mr. Mulrajsinh Chudasama.
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