Leading Fashion E-tailer Jabong Brings Five-A-Side Football To India

Jabong Turf War, first-of-its-kind football variant, kicks off on Nov. 21

India’s leading online fashion retailer Jabong is holding a grand five-a-side football tournament, Jabong Turf War, for the first time in the country. Twelve teams from colleges in Delhi-NCR will compete before 3,000-plus spectators at the G.L. Bajaj Institute of Technology (GLBIT) and Management, Greater Noida, on Nov. 21, 22, 2015. Apart from the Jabong Turf War trophy, there are exciting cash prizes. The tournament hero will receive a limited edition Karizma motorcycle signed by Dutch musician Martin Garix of the Animals fame.

In five-a-side football, as the name suggests, each team fields four outfield players and a goalkeeper. The game has a relatively smaller pitch and goalposts, and is of a reduced duration. Matches are held indoors, or outdoors, on AstroTurf or artificial grass enclosed within a barrier or “cage” to prevent the ball from leaving the playing area and keep the game flowing.

Hero, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, will drive Jabong Turf War, co-sponsored by German sportswear major Puma. Other partners are Gatorade (sports drink), Jawed Habib (hair care), 94.3 Radio One (radio), Magic Bus (NGO), Sony Six (associate), GLBIT (venue), Eco Wise (waste management), Crowne Plaza (hospitality), and Jabra (performance).

Jabong Turf War promises to enthral the audience with live performances by Archis, India’s record-breaking freestyle footballer; emcee Clince, MTV selfie challenger winner; and award-winning DJ Varun. A rock band, dance troupe, and cheerleaders will provide entertainment during the entire duration of the matches. Renowned sportspersons, Abhishek Mishra, Triathlete, Marathoner, Ultra-Runner and the winner of the recent Ironman Mallorca; Sandesh Jhingan and Nirmal Chhetri, Indian professional footballers in the Indian Super League, will cheer the players on the occasion.

Speaking ahead of Turf War, Nils Chrestin, Interim CEO at Jabong and Group CFO of Global Fashion Group, said, “Football amongst other sports has fast caught on in India and we are excited to bring this five-a-side game to India. Jabong sells a host of renowned brands and sports merchandise for the sport enthusiasts and this tournament reiterates our passion and commitment in promoting and increasing awareness of football.”

Jabong has been associated with a multitude of sporting events like the recent basketball festival, NBA Jam, and is further collaborating with the upcoming Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.