Kalyani Group names I-League team as 'Bharat FC'

Mumbai: The Pune-headquartered Kalyani Group announced on Sunday that their football club has been christened "Bharat FC" which will take part in this season's I-League season commencing in January, 2015.

The Group's Executive Director Amit Kalyani unveiled the name of the club in Pune today in the presence of Bharat FC's director Kunal Agarwal, head coach Stuart Watkiss and assistant coach Stanly Rozario, a media release said.

Bharat FC would be playing its home games at Balewadi stadium in Pune.

"Though we are the 'Puneri' team, the idea of spreading the magic and joy of football all through our country was foremost on our minds. Bharat FC aims not just to be Pune's favourite team but one that all of India can identify with and follow," said Group ED Kalyani.

"We will focus on all aspects of football and going forward we will look at further enhancing the youth development and grass root programs. We are looking at bringing talent from India and abroad and adopt best practices for building a strong foundation for Bharat FC," he added.

Bharat FC director Agarwal said that the chance to construct an ultra-professional football club, one able to hold its own with the best in Asia, was the clinching factor behind him coming on board.