The first edition of the VSL will be played between November 2-24, 2024, in Kolkata and feature 14 teams. The matches will be played across three historic venues, the club grounds of legendary Kolkata trio, East Bengal Club, Mohun Bagan AC and Mohammedan Sporting Club between 7-10pm. The tournament will consist of 40 matches and will be played in a round-robin format, followed by knockout matches leading to the final.
Danish Parvez Khan, Chairman & MD of Veterans Football Development Pvt Ltd, shared his excitement on the announcement by saying, “We are delighted to bring back so many Indian football veterans to the pitch. These veterans have helped Indian football to flourish in both national and international stages for decades and VSL remains committed to bring them back for one last hurrah! These footballers have been worthy companions in Indian football’s journey, and we want to commemorate their contribution in the Mecca of Indian football in Kolkata. The fact that this tournament will be played at East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting grounds will bring back old memories to the viewers as well.”
The tournament will be inaugurated by the West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on November 2 during the opening ceremony. Prominent personalities in Indian football like Jo Paul Ancheri, Jose Ramirez Barreto and Bruno Coutinho would attend the opening ceremony which would also feature Bollywood celebrities, who will be performing at the opening ceremony.
The VSL is presently seeking partners in 15+ categories, including Food, Technology, Media, Travel, Medicine and Entertainment. The partners will receive multiple benefits, such as logos featured on all materials, website and social media pages, cross promotions & branding and others. They will also receive a special mention at the ticketing performance event, hosted by popular Bollywood celebrity Sunny Leone, radio mentions and interviews, activities and promotions and related opportunities.