MARGAO
The 2nd Division League mini-tournament is all set to begin in October and teams have been asked to report in Kolkata latest by September 26, according to Khel Now.
The teams have also been asked to observe a mandatory two-week quarantine period upon arrival. A source close to the developments stated, “The teams and players have been asked to report by September 26 so that they could complete the two-week quarantine before the tournament begins.”
However, some teams will travel early, so that they can get accustomed to the conditions and have some practice sessions in the city before the tournament starts.
The AIFF is also planning to move the mini-tournament to the iconic Salt Lake Stadium instead of Kalyani Stadium. One of the reasons for shifting the tournament is to ease operations at ground level. The tournament will consist of five teams -- Mohammedan Sporting Club, Bhowanipore FC (Kolkata), Garhwal FC (Delhi), ARA FC (Ahmedabad) and FC Bengaluru United.
Earlier, the AIFF had scheduled an eight-team tournament, as the previous edition was paused midway through because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, FC Kerala, AU Rajasthan FC and Lonestar Kashmir have pulled out.
Ever since the lockdown restrictions were softened, teams have started bolstering their squads and have also begun practice in their respective cities ahead of the tournament. The tournament is set to become the first official sporting event in the country after the outbreak of the pandemic and the winner of the competition will qualify for the I-League 2020-21 season. It’s sure to be a tough fight between the five teams competing for the coveted I-League spot.
