Chief Guest Shiv Sena, President, Uddhav Thackeray and son Aditya Thackeray, Chairman, Yuva Sena (Shiv Sena’s Youth Wing), were pleased watching all the action during the final of the 2nd Colaba Sports League, which was played at the Cooperage ground on Saturday evening. Other prominent dignitaries who witnessed the match was Shiv Sena MPs, Shri Arvind Sawant, Shri Anil Desai, Milind Gunaji, Marathi & Hindi film actor, Jafferbhai, owner of Jaffer Bhai Delhi Darbur, sponsors of CSL and Atul Badgamia, Vice-President, Mumbai FC.
Shiv Sena President, Shri Uddhav Thackeray looks on as his son Aditya Thackeray (centre), cuts a cake presented by the organizer of the CSL before the start of the final match of the 2nd Colaba Sports League, at the Cooperage ground. The younger Thackeray celebrates his birthday on Monday.
The younger Thackeray, who turns 26 on Monday, had an early celebration as he cut a cake presented to him by the organizers before kick-off.
Speaking to this correspondent at the end of the prize distribution function, Aditya felt that this was a great initiative. “I think it’s a great tournament. If we do it region by region of Mumbai like this, then regional teams will be given a chance in every district in Mumbai or ward rather. It is good because more and more players are seen on the ground and get an opportunity to play and that’s very nice.”
He was also impressed with the organizers and response the event received. “The whole atmosphere they (organizers) created was fantastic. The whole vibe around the event, with Mr. (Ratan) Tata present at the launch and giving the organizers his blessings, the tournament got all the attention it required,” he stated.
Aditya was also stressed that such tournaments would help the sport grow in Mumbai and in the country. “We need to conduct many more tournaments like the CSL as it would be a great boost, not just for India football but also in Mumbai. We have to start at each level, city football, which would also give a good vibe to attract more crowds. There was a large gathering in the stadium, watching the match, which is great. The enthusiasm also in the crowd wasn’t just that they were brought in to sit in the stands, it was not like that. They (spectators) were very much into the game, which is very important, so obviously it creates a lot of attraction for sports at our level. If you see today, all of us are watching the Euro Championship and Copa America and that’s because we identify the players. But once we are familiar with the local players it would be better for us,” added Aditya.
Aditya, Chairman of the Mumbai District Football Association, a sports lover and in particular, passionate about football. He is currently actively involved in ensuring the development and upgrading of infrastructure at a couple of venues in the city and the promotion of the sport in the metropolis.