Netizens are in awe of Bollywood actor John Abraham backing the football team NorthEast United FC despite a decade of setbacks, many took to social media and lauded him.
John Abraham Pic/X
While John Abraham faced box office failure with his film ‘Vedaa’ which was released on Independence Day, he bounced back on the professional front, but this time in the sports arena. His football team, NorthEast United FC, clinched its maiden Durand Cup in a nail-biting final against defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, thereby marking its first-ever silverware in Indian football. NorthEast United was awarded a winning prize of Rs 60,00,000, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant received Rs 30,00,000 for their efforts.
The club was founded in 2013 and has been backed by John Abraham since then. It represents the eight states of North East India – Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Mizoram. John’s wife, Priya Runchal, serves as the chairperson of the club. In an insightful interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, John discussed the challenging environment of Indian football, remarking, “Bureaucracy has destroyed Indian football. But every year, I face a huge loss. I am an individual owner, and all the other teams are owned by multi-billion dollar corporates. So it is very difficult for me to compete. I want to present my football team with a lot of pride. I feel bad and nearly cry when we keep losing. I love this football team and I’ve created it from scratch. I hope the government backs me.”
The immense effort and financial loss put into NorthEast United FC paid off as the team celebrated its historic victory. This milestone did not go unnoticed, with fans and netizens showering praise on John Abraham for his unwavering support.
Netizens react to John Abraham’s commitment and passion for football:
“Respect for John Abraham; he has done more for Indian Football than many corporates and people in power have done. This success means a lot to him and NorthEast United FC,” one Twitter user said.
. Another added, “Despite a decade of setbacks, John Abraham stood tall and backed Northeast United FC. He has finally achieved the recognition he deserves. Persistence pays off. Here’s to continued success! What a Historic Night.”
The celebration is palpable among the NorthEast United FC fans and football enthusiasts across India. Many have called this victory a monumental moment in the history of Indian football, praising Abraham’s contribution far beyond the glitz of Bollywood.
However, John Abraham’s professional journey in the acting realm encountered turbulence with the recent release of ‘Vedaa’. Even though it faced box office challenges, the film showcases a powerful narrative. ‘Vedaa’ is an intense action-thriller also starring Sharvari and Tamannaah Bhatia, directed by Nikkhil Advani. The film is depicted as a “powerful story of resilience and the indomitable human spirit,” following the journey of a young woman, Vedaa (Sharvari), who dares to challenge the status quo. The protagonist’s fight for justice is fuelled by the unwavering support of a former soldier (John), who stands by her as both shield and sword.
Notwithstanding the film’s performance at the box office, John’s new triumph with NorthEast United FC is a testament to his enduring spirit and dedication. This monumental victory at the Durand Cup is not just a personal achievement but a significant win for Indian football and the eight states that NorthEast United represents. It highlights the significance of perseverance, patience, and unwavering support even amid adversity.
For those unaware, the Durand Cup is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments, making NorthEast United’s victory even more special.
Having founded the club from scratch and endured a decade of challenges, John Abraham’s resilience and dedication to promoting football in India’s North-East region have finally borne fruit. His persistence offers a profound lesson in commitment and belief, not just to the sports community but to fans and aspiring footballers nationwide.
As the celebratory echoes of this historic win continue to resonate, John Abraham remains hopeful that this achievement will garner further governmental and corporate support, propelling Indian football to greater heights.
