EFLI tourney begins on July 25 in Colombo

Yasaratne GAMAGE

The Elite Football League of India will commence their season with the American Football League tournament which commences on July 25 at the Sugathadasa Stadium with the participation of eight teams with players from Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan.

This was revealed at a press briefing held at CR and FC board room headed by EFLI funder and CO - CEO Sunday Zeller.

The season one of EFLI 2012/13 will be held for a whole month in the Sugathadasa Stadium from July 25 to August 25 with the participation of eight teams that include players from three different Countries (India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka).

The tournament will go for seven weeks with the league format while the semi finals will be held on August 19 followed by the finals on 25.

Team to participate are, Bangalore Warhawks (Bangalore, Karnataka) Mumbai Gladiators (Mumbai, Maharashtra) Kandy Skykings (Kandy, Central Province) Pune Marathas (Pune ,Balewadi, Maharashtra) Kolkata Vipers (Kolkata, West Bengal) Delhi Defenders (Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi) Peshawar Wolfpack (Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ) Colombo Lions (Colombo, Western Province) Team Coaches from their respective Countries and the Coaches and Match Officials from USA have been actively engaged in training and preparations for the last few days .

Speaking at the occasion Director EFLI - Sri Lanka Dilroy Fernando said that the tournament would be an action packed series of American Football as many rugby stars are included in the teams inclusive of Mohommad Sheriff, Ashen Karthelis, Shenal Dias and Bilal Hasen and many more from India and Pakistan as well.

Sunday Zeller hoped that the combination of players from different countries would not only give the message of peace but it is an invitation for the fans as well to cultivate peace and harmony among the nations.

Director of EFLI, Taushif Sheikn expressed their happiness and keenness to bring the tournament to Sri Lanka which will be both cost effective and having a suitable weather condition to play American football.

The championship will kick off with Pakistan playing against Bangalore at 1pm today and in the evening Delhi battle it out with Pune at 3pm.