Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 13 January 2024
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament representing Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has appealed to Mr. Gaurav Dwivedi, IAS, Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati, for live coverage of the pivotal Semi-Final and Final matches of the Silver Jubilee Vice President of India Cup Football Tournament.
The tournament, which started on 09th January 2024, will continue until 18th January 2024, holds special significance as it takes place in Car Nicobar Island, predominantly inhabited by the Nicobari Tribal Community, where football is deeply embedded in the daily lives of the locals. Recognizing the cultural importance and popularity of football in the region, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma stressed the emotional connection of the Nicobari tribal inhabitants to this event.
In a letter addressed to Mr. Gaurav Dwivedi, Sharma conveyed the sentiments of the local population and urged Prasar Bharati to arrange live coverage of the Semi-Final and Final matches scheduled for January 16th, 17th, and 18th, 2024. The Member of Parliament not only requested broadcasting through DD Port Blair but also emphasised the importance of showcasing the matches on one of Prasar Bharati’s National Channels.
“This initiative will provide extensive coverage to the State-level football tournament, spotlighting the exceptional talent thriving in the tribal areas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” Sharma added in his letter. The move aims to amplify the reach of the tournament, allowing a broader audience to witness and appreciate the football prowess of the region.
As the Vice President of India Cup Football Tournament marks its Silver Jubilee, the demand for live coverage highlights the growing recognition of regional sports events and the desire to celebrate the diverse cultural heritage embedded in such competitions.