XtraTime Web Desk: The 12th edition of I-League has begun with 11 teams fighting for the trophy last week. Despite of not getting proper endorsement and odd timing fans across India had gone to the stadiums to support their respective clubs.
I-League has posted the attendance of the fans in the ground which is great for India’s top tier league. As per them 86,399 people went to the stadium on game week 1 to see five matches. Among them most of the spectators were present during the match between Gokulam Kerala FC and Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan. A total of 28,437 spectators were present at the Stadium to enjoy the game which ended in a draw.
.@ILeagueOfficial has always been a fanfare and the first game week of the 12th edition hasn’t been any different. Thank you all for your support. #HeroILeague #ILeagueIConquer pic.twitter.com/TFfRXluQyo
— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) October 30, 2018
Next in the list is the match between Neroca FC and Quess East Bengal game where 26,412 people went to the stadium to watch the game. East Bengal registered an easy 2-0 win over the home side on that encounter. The first North East Derby between Shillong Lajong and Aizawl FC also gathered 14,697 spectators went to the ground to watch the game. Defending champions Minerva Punjab FC hosted Goan outfit Churchill Brothers in their first game where 8591 spectators came to watch the game. Last but not the least Chennai City FC played the opening encounter against AIFF’s youth side Indian Arrows 8262 people were present in the stadium.
Big clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will take part in the Indian Premier League this season but AIFF’s Senior Vice President Subrata Dutta has already made it clear that they won’t abolish the I-League and other teams will replace this big clubs from next season. One of the key reasons for this decision is the popularity of the I-League which can give tough fight to any leagues as well.