Kochi: Even as the FIFA World Cup takes off in Brazil on June 12, lovers of the sport will get to enjoy the ninth edition of Kerala’s own football tournament played in the rain at Fort Cochin on June 28 and 29.
The ‘Shoot the rain’, tournament launched by the Tourism Professionals Club in the state to promote monsoon tourism is gaining in acceptance with prominent enterprises in the hospitality sector coming forward to participate in it.
“This year the response has been overwhelming,” said Mr. George Scaria, president, Tourism Professionals’ Club. Over 24 teams representing major hotels, tour operators, the House Boat Owners’ Association, Thekkady Destination Promotion Council and others have confirmed participation.
Soccer experts, Rufus D’souza and T.A. Jaffer, will provide the technical guidance for the event that will be held at the Parade Ground in Fort Cochin, secretary of the club, Vinesh Vidya, said. Mr Thomas Varghese will be general convener.
‘Shoot the rain’ has been evolved on the theme of fun, rain and soccer to entertain tourists otherwise largely confined to their rooms in the monsoon, explained Mr Ravi Varma, one of the organizers.
