Kochi: FIFA World Cup 2018 has not only triggered local-level matches and fan shows in smaller cities but also some unusual vehicle rallies.
Radio Mango, in association with UNIBIC Foods Pvt Ltd, Tata Nexon, Coca-Cola and Otto Clothing Pvt Ltd, has sent out six Tata Nexon cars known as 'KaliCars' (the players/toy-cars) to travel all across Kerala until July 13.
The cars would stop at predestined locations where the riders would interact with football fans and regional players in the cities they pass through.
The event which was held at Malayala Manorama, Kochi, was attended by UNIBIC Foods India Pvt Ltd territory business in charge Jijimon, Tata Motors territory sales manager Nikhil Kariyappa, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd representative Riju Nair, Aqua Star representative Seejo Ponoor and Radio Mango program director Raveendran Nair.
Actor Asif Ali flagged off the six Tata Nexon cars, painted to the hues of the national flags of Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, Spain, Germany and England.
Speaking at the event, the actor revealed his love of football and made predictions regarding the finalists of FIFA World Cup 2018.
“I started following football world cups reading the sports page of Malayala Manorama, as a child. Now, I feel proud to flag off its World Cup cars which are set to rally across the state. As an ardent soccer fan, I have my own predictions for the FIFA 2018 final round. I think Portugal and Brazil would play the finals this time,” he said.
Asif Ali added that though he is a great fan of Argentina, he's not very sure about Lionel Messi's performance this time.
“I wish Brazil would win the cup,” he said. He also said that he adores Messi, Neymar and Ronaldo and the football-clubs they play with.
The six teams riding KaliCars interacted with the fans of all six football teams during the inaugural session and collected their first set of votes. The car that wins maximum number of votes will lead the rest five during the rally. Kali-Cars would stop at more than hundred towns in Kerala and return to Kochi on the final day of FIFA World Cup 2018.
Each car has a lucky-draw box wherein the fans can deposit paper-slips with their names. Lucky-draw would be done from the car of the team winning this year's FIFA World Cup. Five winners will take home jackpots of Rs 50,000.
Radio Mango looks forward to boost the spirit of Kerala's soccer fans and bring out the true soul of Malayali's football mania through this initiative. The route and stops of KaliCars are available on Radio Mango's official Facebook page.