Nota de Prensa
MAR 08.11.2016
LaLiga's managing director of international development, Vicente Casado, today took part in the India Football Forum 2016, held in New Delhi. In his address, Casado reflected on the reasons which have seen India become an important market for LaLiga, whilst underlining the game's potential in the Asian country: "India is a footballing giant that has now come to life and they're here on the same stage as us. Young players need the motivation that comes from seeing a star player from their country performing at the very highest level. It's important for them to see that dreams can come true."
The game has developed significantly over recent years in India and interest levels amongst the population are on the rise. Over the course of the next 18 months, the nation is set to play host to three international tournaments, including the Under-17 World Cup. In September, LaLiga's New Delhi office was opened at a ceremony which was attended by the organisation's president, Javier Tebas; LaLiga ambassador Fernando Morientes and Casado himself. "We're not here just to pay lip service: we're here to act. We're going to roll out a whole range of projects and we're here to stay. I'd like to announce that we're going to stage public viewings of El Clasico in New Delhi and Mumbai in 27 days' time: we want thousands of LaLiga followers to have a special experience enjoying their big passion together," said Casado on the subject of LaLiga's presence in the country.
Besides Casado, also in attendance at the event were Prasana Krishnan, the vice-president of Sony Six, Sony ESPN and Sony Pictures Networks India; Sunando Dhar, the CEO of the I-League; Hrishikesh Shende, the head of adidas's football and basketball divisions in India; Indranil Das Blah, the CEO of Mumbai City FC; and Gaurav Gokhale, the business head for football at Star India. Krishnan highlighted the fact that the kick-off time of El Clasico will be convenient for Indian fans: "We're happy that, for the first time, El Clasico will be shown in prime time in India."
The forum also included discussion of other football-related topics, from the Under-17 World Cup to commercial and business operations at professional clubs and the use of new technologies. Representatives from Qatar 2022, the Premier League, LaLiga and FIFA were among those who took the floor.
© LALIGA - 2016