FIFA final: Tricity fans throng sports bars
CHANDIGARH: The Tricity football fans had the time of their life on Sunday as they huddled together in front of the television screens at homes, bars, neighbours’ places and cheered for their favourite teams.
The city was buzzing with pre-game shenanigans and the preparations for the same were on full swing. From open theatre and bar screenings to sleepovers and nightouts among other such activities were planned and the entire event was a full-on gala affair for the people of Chandigarh.
Screenings conducted at various sports bars in the Tricity offered discounts and offers to the football lovers which attracted more people to watch the match. Some enthusiasts indulged in painting flags on their faces. Jerseys were worn to show off their support for the respective teams. The Tricity seemed to be coloured in blue, red and white all over.
“We were so excited and were ready to spend some good cash for the much-deserving FIFA finals. My friends and I went to a bar to watch the live screening and did not mind buying expensive cocktails too. This night no doubt deserved it all,” smiled Aashima, a 19-year-old fan.
Fans screaming the now iconic “it’s coming home” catchphrase took the event to an entirely another level. Their love for football was much more than expected. The energy off the field was just as crazy as the energy on field. So finally, the most awaited finals of the FIFA World Cup 2018 happened. There have been many sleepless nights, binge-eating and binge-watching till we finally reached this day.” said Robin Singh, a 24-year-old FIFA fan.
People gathered at friends’ places to watch the match live together. The stress could be felt in the air considering how hard both the teams worked to reach this stage. Fans were overwhelmed and flooded with emotions to witness the grand event and made sure they did justice to it by having a blast. “The World Cup has been very unpredictable this time and I can’t wait for the next one to happen already,” an elated Madhav Arora remarked, who was accompanied by his friends for the screening at Sector 22.
With the final concluding game on Sunday, a month-long journey has come to an end. FIFA 2018 has been a crazy roller-coaster journey of ups and downs not only for the teams, but the fans as well. The people of the city have been emotionally connected to the game throughout the journey and celebrated the finals of World Cup with immense enthusiasm. The passion for football among people, especially the youngsters, could be seen from the day it commenced. “I’ve been following the entire world cup ever since it kicked off and with its end, I feel like I’m left with nothing to look forward to,” says Raghav Duggal, a student of Panjab University.
“The football craze is only recent in the city and I’m glad to see the hype it has created all around. I hope this culture continues to remain and grow across the country as well,” said Kartik Nanda, a resident of Sector 15, Panchkula.
