Indian Super League Trophy Launched in Glittering Ceremony
The Indian Super League football tournament, designed along the lines of the widely successful Indian Premier League, will have teams from eight cities participate. The teams are based in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kochi, Guwahati, Goa, Chennai and Kolkata.
Nita Ambani, founder and chairperson of Football Sports Development, Sunday unveiled the pride of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) trophy here amidst glitz and glamour. (Pics)
Joining her at the momentous occasion were world footballing legends and icon players of eight ISL clubs - Fredrik Ljungberg (Mumbai City FC), Alessandro Del Piero (Delhi Dynamos FC), Joan Capdevila (NorthEast United FC), David Trezeguet (FC Pune City), Robert Pires (FC Goa), Mikael Silvestre (Chennaiyin FC), Luis Garcia (Atletico de Kolkata) and David James (Kerala Blasters FC).
"It's a momentous day for all of us today as I stand along with the world's footballing legends to unveil the pride of Indian Super League. As these role models have inspired hundreds of thousands of players worldwide, I am sure the ISL trophy will also stand as a symbol of aspiration for many youngsters in an emergent India," said Nita.
"The Indian Super League trophy is detailed to perfection by Indian artisans who were trained in London, thus exemplifying the genius of Indian artistry and world-class craftsmanship. Its 'made in India' design embodies our love and passion for this beautiful game and it equally represents our 'made for world' aspirations," she added.
Sanjay Gupta, chief operating officer, Star India, said: "The ISL is a marquee football tournament wherein accomplished footballers, who have excelled on the international stage along with best-of-the-best of Indian football, will get to compete for the ultimate honour and it is only befitting that they compete for one of the most exquisite trophies ever crafted. With Hero Indian Super League well placed to fuel the birth of a footballing nation, I am confident that this will become one of the most coveted trophies in Indian football in the years ahead."
Designed by Frazer And Haws, the trophy stands 26 inches tall. The logo on the top band has the ISL colours assigned to it and the handles are ornately carved and embellished with 24k gold gilt to imbue a sense of pride when held up.