NEW DELHI: adidas launched its Tango League street football competition at the weekend in India for the first time with national team star Eugeneson Lyngdoh unveiling the trophy in the capital.
Tango League is a worldwide campaign that gathers young talent from around the globe in a rapid-fire, intense 5-a-side street tournament. Open to girls and boys ages 16 to 25, the Tango League gives athletes with the skill, but perhaps not the platform, the opportunity to showcase their talent, increase their social media following, and for a lucky few, the chance to be an adidas-sponsored athlete.
“Football is growing in India and these are exciting times for adidas as football is in the DNA of the brand. With the FIFA U-17 World Cup last year, the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Russia and the Tango League, the brand plans to be in the hearts and minds of the football creators. Tango League will be the authentic platform from adidas, as we will continue to sponsor other footballing properties under the adidas Creators platform,” goal.com quoted adidas India brand and marketing director Amrith Gopinath as having said during the tournament’s unveiling here Saturday.
It is not just football skill, ability and prowess that will set each player apart as adidas is looking for athletes who are also active on social media platforms. Football ability and social media activity will be key, as players earn points for the right to top the Tango League leaderboard. This ranking system will see players earn points for what they do on the pitch, as well as how active they are on twitter and Instagram.
In addition, players will be also be vying for the right to be crowned the tournament MVP which results in the event standout player winning an adidas boot deal and getting a points boost on the leaderboard. The ultimate Tango League MVP could win an exclusive opportunity to attend an adidas Global Tango League event abroad.
The day started off with a freestyle football challenge before the Tango League Champions Trophy was unveiled by Lyngdoh.
The first installment of the league kicked off on Saturday evening and concluded Sunday.
