I-league: When will we get to see the floodlights in Kolkata?

Kolkata’s escalating temperature has now become a big threat to I-league. Since one and half years, Kolkata has not witnessed vital matches in the evening (except a couple of IFA Shield matches). Floodlights are a must now for the football fans of Kolkata.

The world’s second largest stadium (Yuva Bharati Krirangan) has failed to keep its promise. Football matches were supposed to take place in the evening and floodlights were presumed to get repaired long time back, but the government and the ones in charge might have dismissed this from their memory.

Though we have recently seen the stadium beaming, the floodlights were fixed and back in shape, but unfortunately the stadium was being prepared for a completely different reason. The grand IPL opening ceremony took place there and the stadium was seen in a distinctly new look.

It was a serious blow to the football fans. Since a month, the city’s temperature has been increasing rapidly. This excruciating heat is torturous for people, so it is expected that this weather is going to be calamitous for the players. They are repeatedly playing matches in this weather which is not at all healthy for them. Deterioration in the quality of game is a result of ill health of the players.

The spectators are avoiding matches due to the sweltering weather and of course due to the odd timings. Every individual is busy in their offices during the day time and it’s seriously tough for them to attend the match which is leaving the stadium deserted, and it is highly discouraging for the players to see an empty stadium.

In International football, a lunch time kick-off is seen very often. Matches very often take place in the day time but sadly Indian Football has a long way to go. International football has a worldwide spectator base and they won’t easily lose it. Indian football still has to try from every possible manner to spread their game, captivate more fans and thus has to bestow a better ambience.

If statistically studied, Indian Football is lagging behind due to incalculable reasons. Correction is required in every possible step and this is admittedly one of the basic counts which needs rectification.

Just a small change in match timings will surely bring a noticeable change in the number of spectators and definitely in the quality of the game in Bengal.