Japan, India set friendship football rolling

CHENNAI: Kicking the ball at the Nehru Stadium for the first time, the Japanese amateur football team played the Japan-India Friendship Football Match opposite Tamil Nadu football team as a step to further strengthen the friendly relationship between both the countries.Enthusiastic footballers warmed up on Sunday morning before the three matches conducted to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Japan- India diplomatic relations. The match was organised by the Japanese Association of Chennai, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Chennai, Japan Football Club in Chennai in collaboration with the Sports Development Authority of Tamilnadu and supported by the Consulate-General of Japan at Chennai.Throughout the event the emphasis was more on further strengthening of the friendly relationship between the two countries than the result of the game even as the Japanese and their Indian counterparts appreciated each other for their sportive and keen interest in playing the match. Members of the Japanese Football Club in Chennai lined up along with their Indian counterparts to play three matches for children, seniors and all stars, each for duration of 30 to 40 minutes. A Japanese presenter clad in a sari welcomed the gathering in eloquent Tamil, as the local audience applauded her for her effort. Expressing that the matches would be a significant as it is being played for the first time and thanking the players and the Tamil Nadu Sport Development Authority, the Consul-General of Japan in Chennai, Masanori Nakano said, “I am happy and honoured to be present here. This idea was first suggested by the amateur football players working in and around Chennai.”Chairman of the Japanese Football Club in Chennai Kenichi Taniguchi, whose team were all, geared for the match, said, “We will do our best on the pitch. We would like to have periodic match from now on.” A t-shirt was also unveiled in commemoration of the match and its significance and was presented to the Indian counterparts.Though the audience were in small number for a large stadium, whistles and cheers both from the high-spirited Japanese and Indians could be heard loud whenever the ball neared the goal post in all the three matches. “I am very happy to be part of the match. Though it’s hot, we make it up by drinking lots of water,” said one of the senior player Ryo Yamada, as he waited for his chance to play.Interestingly, two Japanese women players were part of the senior men’s team. The friendly matches concluded with the Indians winning in all the three categories and a Peace ball- model of a football along with a memento was presented to the representative of the Indian team.