THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Heineken presents the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour in Mumbai

Luis García unveiled the UEFA Champions League Trophy at the Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai (Photo courtesy: Heineken)

As a part of its worldwide activation, Heineken continued its Champion the Trophy campaign in India, as legendary footballer Luis García unveiled the European club football competition’s most coveted prize – the UEFA Champions League Trophy at the Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai yesterday, April 10. Luis García is considered by the press and various sporting entities as one of the best wingers in history, great reference of the Merseyside club and insignia of the Spanish selected.

Football crazy fans cheered as Former Liverpool FC player and UEFA Champions league winner, Luis García, and Indian football superstar Sunil Chhetri locked in a friendly game of five a side match with fans across India, chosen from a Twitter contest by Heineken®. The game was intense and exciting and enjoyed not only by those seated at The Turf Club, but also by fans across India over Heineken® social media handles. Both the teams went all out, but after the final whistle the match concluded in a draw.

Samar Singh Sheikhawat, Senior Vice-President (Marketing), United Breweries Limited, said: “The Trophy Tour is a chance for football fans around the world to get closer to the iconic UEFA Champions League Trophy. Our campaign #ChampionTheTrophy used social media to challenge football fans in the country to help us bring the Trophy to them and present them with an exciting experience. The Trophy Tour concept was developed by Heineken® in partnership with UEFA Champions League to enable fans everywhere to be able to get a money cannot buy experience, particularly those who would normally only be able to see it on television. India has a big following for the UEFA Champions League and we are thrilled to be chosen as one of only six countries globally for the Trophy Tour this year.”

Rajesh Kaul, President, Distribution and Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “As the official broadcasters of the UEFA Champions League, the most prestigious club football tournament, the Trophy Tour is a great way to reach out to passionate fans of football. Football is the second most watched sport in India and these activities will elevate the fan experience to a greater level. Ahead of the key clashes of the season, fans will connect with the tournament when they watch the UEFA Champions League on Ten 1, Ten 1 HD and Ten 2 channels which are a part of the Sports Cluster of Sony Pictures Networks India.”

Fans went crazy as the UEFA Champions League Trophy boarded the Heineken bus and was spotted across Mumbai’s iconic locations. Contests to spot the ‘Biggest Fan’, Heineken® merchandise, an opportunity to spot the UEFA Champions League Trophy along with the legendary Luis García, created memorable experiences for fans. The Trophy made its first pit stop at Kamala Mills Compound, moving to Carter Road.

The UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour presented by Heineken Indian chapter came to an end, as it made its final stop at the Taj Lands End, Bandra, where the UEFA Champions League Trophy was hosted for an evening of sports, glamour and fun, attended by an illustrious soiree of socialites and top-class sports enthusiasts, discussing all things football. Ambassador Luis Garcia expressed his views on football in India, followed by an unforgettable night of entertainment, which embodied the Heineken® spirit. The UEFA Champions League Trophy was on display, along with original gear worn from iconic moments of the UEFA Champions League.

This year the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour presented by Heineken stopped in Jamaica, Panama, Colombia, Egypt, India and will move to its final destination Vietnam. In its ten year history the Trophy Tour has reached 26 countries among Africa, Asia, North and South America.

Among his best-known honours, Luis García was crucial part of the winning UEFA Champions League with Liverpool FC in 2005 that had the most exciting comebacks in a Champions League Final, known as the Miracle of Istanbul.

(Heineken Press Release)