We run a sports company. When we say this, what exactly do we mean? Are we here to cover sport and give athletes, both able-bodied and para, a voice? Are we here to cover cricket and jump on the bandwagon to make some money? Are we here to cover every sport and try and make a difference to the Indian sporting ecosystem? Why are we here?
This is the question we asked of ourselves last year ahead of the FIFA World Cup. While it is all very glamorous to cover major events like the World Cup and the Olympics, would we be able to make a difference at the grassroots? And that’s when the idea came. We must do a grassroots football tournament for men and women, with equal prize money, in an attempt to empower talent. Football is just a start. We aim to get into every sport possible as we grow as a company.
The football carnival we did in year 1, 2002-23, had 32 men’s and 16 women’s teams. Locals told us we won’t get as many women’s teams, so we shouldn’t try for more. They were wrong. Once we closed entries, we realised there were many more waiting in the wings to participate. And this year we have rectified our mistake. We still have 48 teams, for more would be difficult to manage. But we have 24 men’s and 24 women’s teams. Moreover, the prize money stays equal and will always be. The truth is that the women’s tournament in year one was far more competitive, and two of the girls went on to secure club contracts. That’s real legacy and something we are immensely proud of.
We have our press conference today at 2pm at the Press Club in Kolkata. With footballers like Kuntala Ghosh Dastidar, Mehtab Hussain, Jamshed Nassiri and Kiyan Nassiri in attendance, it should serve as serious inspiration for young and aspiring footballers who wish to make a name in the sport. And we have Sandesh Jhingan, one of Indian football’s biggest stars, joining us virtually.
In year one, we were told that equal prize money hadn’t happened at the local level much in Bengal and we were perhaps taking an unwarranted step. For us, it is the most fundamental step. Something that is as basic as things can be. And when we announced it during the final, we were surprised to see the reactions that followed. Two of the girls, members of the winning team, were in tears and had this to say, “We have never been given equal prize money. This feels good. It is not about the amount of money. That too is good, but for us, it is more about the respect.”
For us too, it is about respect. About trying to do something for sport. About encouraging young men and women to play, and giving them an opportunity to showcase their talent.
As we step into our third year – Revsportz turns 2 on December 1 – this is one initiative we are seriously proud of. And this year, we have added much to the carnival. We have one of Bengal and India’s leading musicians in Anindyo Chattopadhyay performing on the inaugural day, November 25, and we have Mir, one of our best entertainers and musicians, performing with his band on December23 – the final day. We also have Agni, one of our best radio jocks, there on the opening and closing days to host proceedings.
Finally, we are delighted to announce that this year’s women’s football has the support of Tata Steel, a brand that stands for the story of India. We also have support from all our existing partners – Ageas Federal Life Insurance, Limca Sportz, Wow Momo, BSV, Lalbaba Rice, and Just My Roots – and are delighted to welcome Pebble Smart watches and Xiaomi to our list of supporters.
We seek your support. Join us and support the cause. This is about sport, about physical literacy, and giving people at every level an opportunity. It’s time for the football carnival.
