Even if India is not a participating team, its streets are decked up for the 21st FIFA World Cup currently on in Russia. The country has a long history with the sport — its first football federation, Indian Football Association, was established in 1893. India has qualified for the World Cup only once, in 1950, and has never made it since. That has not dampened the spirit of the Indian fans who root for their favourite teams every World Cup. Argentina and Brazil remain perennial favourites.
This year, fans in Darjeeling have christened their town The World Cup Town 2018, and a series of government-sponsored events are planned round the month to celebrate the tournament. After the day-long carnival on June 2, others such as a cheer-leading competition, football parade, B-boying, face painting are set to follow, along with prizes for the best decorated localities during the World Cup.
In Kozhikode, local fan clubs mark their territory by putting up flex boards of their football heroes and their favourite teams. Along with photographs of the team they support, the flex literature stands out for its witty comments, open challenges and war cries directed at fans of a rival team.
In Kolkata, the streets are decked in the colours of Argentina and Brazil, and people can be spotted wearing their team’s jerseys on the streets while playing their beloved game.
Leo’s corner: A young Lionel Messi fan admires a giant cut-out of the Argentinian striker at Thaikottam Parambil, near Puthiyappa in Kozhikode Photo: S Ramesh Kurup
Bend it like Beckham: With the world cup round the corner, young players hone their skills at the Assam Rifles football ground in Aizawl, Mizoram Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar
For the love of the game: In Thiltlang village, in the remote Lunglei district of Mizoram, football is a way of life for its young residents Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar
Rituals of worship: Football fans hoisting the flags of Argentina and Brazil at Vellayil fishing harbour in Kozhikode Photo: S Ramesh Kurup
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