Bayern Munich to play for IFA shield

Kolkata:

After AC Milan's boys, it is now the turn of yet another European soccer giant to have a taste of Indian football. Bayern Munich's second team is in Kolkata to take part in the 111th edition of the IFA shield. Making the most of their first visit to India and the City of Joy, the German Champions made it a point to visit Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity on Wednesday. The biggest achievement for the team so far has been making it to the quarterfinals of the 2004 German Cup. This might be a second string team but the fact that they are playing in India is perhaps a sign of things to come. "In Germany, perceptions about Indian football have changed. This news will go out and this will be a good PR for the Indian team," said Arunava Chaudhuri, Editor-in-chief, Indianfootball.com. Reaching out to masses The team will play its first match in the IFA shield against Mohemmedan Sporting on Friday. Since the level of football in both countries is poles apart, many expect the result to be a foregone conclusion but the IFA has made all efforts to reach out to the masses by selling TV rights and most importantly, making the IFA shield truly international. "Those who love the game get to see quality football. It is a learning process both on and off the field," said Subrata Dutta, President, IFA. A winner's cheque of Rs five lakh is certainly not the reason why the Bayern Munich team has come to India. The fact that they consider India as a potential market to promote football is good news.