Indo-Pak football ties in Bangalore

JSW in association with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) will host two international friendlies between India and Pakistan at the Bangalore Football Stadium Aug 17 and 20.

"We, at JSW, are very proud to be associated with two games that football fans in India are looking forward to. I have no doubt that these two matches will be well received by the fans and that it will be a very keen contest on the pitch," said Parth Jindal, CEO of Bengaluru FC, which is owned by JSW.

The fixtures will also serve as an able assessment for national team coach Wim Koevermans before the India under-23 team departs to Incheon, South Korea to play the Asian Games.

AR Khaleel, president of the Karnataka State Football Association, said: "It is a matter of pride that Bengaluru has been chosen as a venue for both the friendlies. The football-loving crowds have been fantastic all of last season and they deserve it. We are sure the games will be a huge success."

Kushal Das, Gen Secretary, All India Football Federation, said: "I'm extremely grateful to JSW for coming forward to organise the friendly matches between India and Pakistan in Bengaluru.

"I think both these matches are of great importance for the preparation to the Asian Games for both India and Pakistan. I'm sure the contest will be extremely competitive and entertaining," he said.