Zee-AIFF launch 'Goal 2010'

Chandigarh, June 26 (UNI) Zee Sports, in association with All India Football Federation, today launched a three-week-long soccer carnival here.

Addressing a press conference, Zee Chief Operating Officer Gary Lovejoy and Head of Marketing Gaurav Sethi said the carnival was aimed at popularising, creating awareness and excitement around Indian football and Indian football stars.

''The soccer carnival is a vision to see India play in the next Football World Cup in South Africa in 2010. The carnival will conclude on July 14 at Jaipur, after passing through Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Kolkata and Jaipur,'' they told newspersons.

In a message, AIFF president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said the federtion realise the power of the great game in unifying people and want to take the Indian football to the highest possible stage in world football. ''We appeal to the people to come forward and support us in making this dream a reality.'' he said.

The inaugural day attracted a large crowd as the mascot Zebra chosen to promote Indian football, dressed in funky outfits, performed on hit tunes.

A variety of interactive games and contests will also be held to create awareness about different facets of Indian football, including various tournaments, football players, clubs, legends of Indian soccer.

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