Coaches, players grace glittering launch ceremony

New Delhi, November 21: The 11th edition of India's top football league, the Hero I-League - was officially launched at a glittering ceremony here on Tuesday (November 21). This marks the beginning of yet another scintillating season of enthralling league football in the country. The I-League kicks off on November 25 and culminates on March 6, 2018.

The I-League is set to provide more excitement and inspiring action this year with the addition of three new teams from three different states. The three new additions are - Gokulam Kerala FC from Calicut, Neroca FC from Imphal, Manipur and Indian Arrows from New Delhi. With their individual football cultures and heritage, these teams will significantly enhance the reach of the league in the country.

The coveted #HeroILeague trophy.
4 days to go pic.twitter.com/TbsndVKaw7

— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) November 21, 2017

The upcoming edition will also be rewarding for the players with significant prize money at stake for the top teams - Winners (Rs 1 Crore), Runners Up (Rs 60 Lakh), Third Place (Rs 40 Lakhs) and Fourth Place (Rs 25 Lakhs).

This edition will witness the country's elite football league returning to the national capital, with the AIFF developmental team, Indian Arrows, making a comeback. The India U-17 team head coach Luis Norton De Matos of Portugal, would be their head coach. The team is a mix of India U-17 and India U-19 team players.

"This year is all about showcasing what the Hero I-League has been doing for years. Launching Indian football's future stars. History is testimony that the Hero I-League has laid the foundation for Indian football stars to go ahead and shine in their careers and make the country proud. The edition also pays special tribute to the coaches who create those stars with their dedication and commitment towards the beautiful game. We are happy to welcome Kerala back in the league and the return of I-League football to Delhi. I believe these new developments along with the clubs from Northeast, West Bengal, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Goa will make the league even more competitive and interesting. I would like to convey my best wishes to all the participating clubs of this year's edition," said Kushal Das, General Secretary, All India Football Federation.

.@ChurchillB_Goa 's latest foreign signing Emuejeraye Precious shares thoughts on the upcoming #HeroILeague season. pic.twitter.com/HiIfyj6zFU

— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) November 21, 2017

Commenting on the occasion Pawan Munjal, Chairman, MD and CEO Hero Motocorp said, "Hero has always been a committed promoter of sports across various disciplines, including football. I am pleased to see this game growing in the country, especially amongst the youth. I believe football has the potential to become one of the top sports in the country. We had a very successful association with the FIFA U-17 World Cup, over the last two months, and we saw the love for the game grow during this period. The Hero I-League is the perfect platform for budding footballers to showcase their skills, and I am sure we will see new talents emerging from this season."

The 10 teams from nine states of the 11th Hero I-League are: Defending Champions Aizawl FC (Mizoram), Neroca FC (Manipur), Shillong Lajong FC (Meghalaya), Mohun Bagan AC & Kingfihser East Bengal (West Bengal), Minerva Punjab (Punjab), Gokulam Kerala FC (Kerala), Churchill Brothers FC Goa (Goa), Indian Arrows (Delhi), Chennai City FC (Chennai).

The first match will kick off on November 25 between Minerva Punjab and Mohun Bagan in Ludhiana.

Coaches are addressing the media now at the @ILeagueOfficial launch ceremony pic.twitter.com/EnTfTOIIJL

— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) November 21, 2017

Who's saying what:

Luis Norton De Matos (Indian Arrows coach):

"We're here to learn more and we have to give our best. If we draw, if not win, it's a great victory for us and we are positive for the challenges."

Sanjoy Sen (Mohun Bagan coach):
"Earlier it was Pailan Arrows, now Indian Arrows. The name may be different but I believe the players are amazing. It'll be challenge for everyone including them and let's see how everyone copes with that."

Bobby Nongbet (Shillong Lajong coach):
"I have faith on young players coming from the academy and they're capable to pull off a great show as a team, I believe so l, say."

Syhlo Malsawmtuanga (Aizawl FC, captain):
"Last season was amazing and this year also we expect the fans to come out in large numbers and provide the necessary support."

Khalid Jamil (East Bengal, coach)
"Expectations are high from us and we are here to give a big fight and hopefully win the season this year."