ISL: NorthEast United Represents True Spirit of Northeast, Says John Abraham

The NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC), the Indian Super League (ISL) football franchise from Guwahati, represents India's northeastern region in its true spirit, said the team's co-owner John Abraham here Saturday.

The Bollywood actor while unveiling the jersey of the club also appealed to millions of the soccer fans of the region to support the club and its players during its matches in Guwahati. The inaugural edition will be held Oct 12-Dec 20.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was also present at the occasion and assured all possible help to the club on the part of the government and termed the participation of the club in the ISL 2014 as one of the biggest opportunity for the state. He said the club would not only promote sports across the state and the region but also promote the tourism and beauty of the region at international level.

The jerseya represents the different tribes and vibrant cultures of the region. There are also eight stars on the jersey which signifies the importance of each of the eight northeastern states and the contribution they have made to popularise football.

"Every facet of the jersey has been meticulously upon to bring out the culture and unity amongst the eight states that have come together to become the NorthEast United FC," said John.

"The colours red, black and white are synonymous with the northeastern cultures at large. These three colours are the dominant colours among all the tribes of the northeastern states. I wanted to ensure that the whole of the northeast is represented in the logo because I think the unity of the northeast is also the strength of the region as a whole," said Rupam Borah, the man who had designed the logo of the NEUFC.

John announced that tickets sale started Saturday through the portal www.bookmyshow.com and would also be available through counters in the region soon.