If you’ve been bit by the World Cup fever, Toyota Kirloskar Motor have got you covered with the announcement of the Toyota Yaris La Liga World tournament.
Organised by Toyota’s Indian arm in association with Nippon Toyota – the brand’s dealers in Kerala, the tournament will organize pre-season friendlies for Indian Super League team Kerala Blasters against stellar international club sides. Their opponents for the La Liga World pre-season tournament will consist of Melbourne City FC, who recently finished third in the Australian A-League, and Girona FC, who managed to finish 10th in the Spanish La Liga despite only gaining promotion to the the top tier of Spanish football in the previous season. This tournament is the first step in an initiative called World United, started by Nippon Toyota with the aim of bringing in top-level international football to our shores.
Speaking regarding the motivations behind organising the event, M.A.M. Babu Moopan, Chairman and MD, Nippon Toyota said “We are delighted to share the excitement of Toyota Yaris La Liga World Football tournament uniting players from international clubs in Kochi. Football is in Kerala’s DNA and we feel proud that India’s first official pre-season tournament is being hosted in Kochi. Nippon Toyota always looks forward to contributing to the people and the society in Kerala through various initiatives. We are confident that this tournament will help promote Kerala as a destination for International football leagues. The World United is planning to make this event an annual property with more clubs participating each year taking this to different continents.
“Toyota products resonate the same excitement, emotional connect and an uncompromising pursuit for excellence as the game of football. As hosts, we Nippon Toyota take this opportunity to welcome all the participating teams and look forward to some exciting days of football in the city”
N Raja, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motors shared his thoughts on the landmark touranment as well, saying, “We are happy to support the Toyota Yaris La Liga World Football Tournament along with our Dealer Partner Nippon Toyota, which has roped in the finest talents from international clubs. Toyota intends to extend its immense support to continue its initiatives to create inclusive community around the world through sport. We are happy to associate one of the most celebrated products globally with this tournament-Toyota Yaris. The excitement of the game will further add to the success of the product in the State of Kerala. Yaris resonates the same passion, commitment and excellence that drives the game of football. We hope all the clubs give their best performance and wish them every success for this season. We will continue to promote development of sports activities in the country.”
The tournament kicks off on 24 July 2018, just nine days after the finals of the FIFA World Cup. All you footie fans out there can go watch the five-day tournament live at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi with tickets starting at Rs 275.
If you want more World Cup action, check out our feature on the greatest players to grace the biggest stage of world football, and the power-packed cars they drive.
