Hyd to host India’s first international American Football game

Team India Meet Team Uae On June 18

In what could be a turning point for Indian sport in general and Hyderabad in particular, the city will enjoy the distinction of hosting the first ever international ‘American Football’ game on Indian soil.

Being conducted under the auspices of American Football Federation of India (AFFI), Team India will cross swords with the formidable Team UAE in a one-match full tackle match at the Gachibowli Stadium on June 18, according to Dr Venkatesh Movva, Chairman of the AFFI Development Committee in India.

A shot in the arm comes in the form of support from the State Government, which has agreed to promote the exciting sport in every possible. An assurance to this effect came from city Mayor, Bonthu Rammohan, who said that like the plans that were afoot to make Hyderabad the capital of IT, education and healthcare, the State Government was according top priority towards ushering in a vibrant sports culture.

Rammohan said ‘considering the global recognition to the sport, we have decided to extent full cooperation to AFFI, in popularizing it in Hyderabad and beyond. We will be interacting with other States and city Mayors to conduct similar events. The bottom line is that we wish to make Hyderabad a preferred global destination’.

Meanwhile, in a thanksgiving gesture, the Mayor has been made the honorary Chairman of AFFI, which he accepted during a media interaction on Monday. Team India will essentially comprise of young but energetic players while the visiting will have in its ranks players with proven NFL experience.

Movva said that AFFI conducts National Flag football championships in the Under-15, Under-19 and full tackle championships in the senior categories.