Ronaldinho to inaugurate tournament in Kozhikode

KOCHI: Brazilian football star Ronaldinho Gaucho will inaugurate the Nagjee International Club Tournament, which is being revived after a gap of 21 years, at a grand function in Kozhikode later this month. Though the tournament will kick off only on February 5, tournament organisers have decided to advance the inaugural ceremony according to Ronaldinho's convenience.
A member of 2002 World Cup winning team, Ronaldinho is likely to arrive in Kozhikode on January 24. Organisers are planning to have a grand function the next day at a city hotel where the guest of honour would unveil the trophy of the tournament. "It is a great honour to bring Ronaldinho to our city and it will be a fitting tribute to mark the revival of the prestigious tournament which has seen some great names in international football play during the past," said P Haridas secretary of Kozhikode Football Asociation.
Ronaldinho had earlier visited Pune in 2012 for the promotion of his animation movie `R'-10. Seven foreign teams have confirmed their participation which includes Argentina (U-23), Watford FC (U-23) from England, Levante UD (U-23) from Spain, Atletico Paranaense (U-23) from Brazil, TSV 1860 München (U-23) from Germany, Rapid Bucharest from Romania and Hertha BSC (U-23) from Germany. Organisers are trying to include a club from India in the event.