That India skipper Virat Kohli is a big football buff is a well known fact. The batting sensation, who is the co-owner of Indian Super League (ISL) football club FC Goa, on Wednesday launched a foundation to promote the sport at the grassroots level.
Named the Forca Goa Foundation, it aims to use football as a vehicle for positive development in the football-mad Indian state of Goa.
The cricketing superstar also launched a special FC Goa jersey which will be used by the side for its ISL clash on Wednesday.
The self-confessed football fan has been involved with FC Goa right through its conception four years ago and has been a regular at some of their matches.
“The change in jersey is a symbolic representation of the whole club showing our solidarity and pledging our continued support to creating a robust ecosystem for football. This is a unique venture for us and I am extremely happy to be a part of this journey,” Kohli said at the launch.
“Goa is one of the biggest football hubs in the country. The Forca Goa Foundation’s main aim is to use this sport that we all love, to help the community and society at large to work together, in order to build a better future for the next few generations. Additionally, with the help of the Foundation, we hope to inspire more children, irrespective of gender to take up the sport and train and groom them into thorough professionals,” he added.
Kohli has always been a self-proclaimed football fan.
The India skipper also spoke on how his brand value could help accelerate the work of the foundation.
“It is an honour being a part of the (Forca Goa) foundation. Beyond a point, it doesn’t matter which sport you are playing. Once you represent a sport in India and you get to a stage you are influencing people in the right way, I think any kind of inspiration that I can bring to the table is something that matters a lot.
“I can guarantee you that in any sport that you play at the global level, the people who are doing well consistently have similar mindsets – the way you think about the game, prepare for the game and take on opportunities, how you can train your mind from a very young age.
“What I have learnt by playing at this level for so long, I can present that to the kids from a very young age. So when they come to this level, they are already ready for that pressure and embrace the difficult times. For me that has been the most important factor in my sporting career so far. The results, obviously, will follow in time. Hopefully I can inspire a great number of kids here to become world class athletes.”
