Football, uninterrupted

Mit Shah (19), a Manchester United fan, turned down a marketing internship because he would have to miss the World Cup football matches.

Mit Shah (19), a Manchester United fan, turned down a marketing internship because he would have to miss the World Cup football matches.

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“I am handling the sales and marketing for my father's business, and am also in charge of the marketing for my college festival. I am left with little time for myself and I am not ready to give up on football for anything,” said the college student.

The football season has created new schedules for the city. From revised work hours to ignoring wives, people are ensuring their daily dose of the sport remains uninterrupted.

“Cricket is my wife, but football is my mistress… football is definitely the more exciting one of the two,” said Akshay Bansal (25), an ardent Chelsea supporter, who is rooting for England, Germany and Brazil this World Cup.

The diamond merchant wraps up work early to get home in time to catch the 7.30 pm game. But that’s not all.

Once he’s home, and slipped into a pair of comfortable shorts and T-shirt —that too in his team colours —he makes sure to sit in a particular place on his bed while watching the game.

Ad agency director, Sujit Sapkal (32), has decided not to do any domestic chores. “No ‘husbandly’ commitments during the FIFA — chores, errands, social obligations…nothing. After work, I’ll be watching all the games, every day,” he said.

Holland supporter Muddassir Usmani (25) agrees with Sapkal. “I have made it very clear at home: No family dinners or other night outings till the World Cup concludes,” said Usmani. “My dad’s a football fan too, so it helps. My mother has no choice but to leave us alone.”

But not all women have little interest in the game.

Hasita Bhammar (21) is crazy about the South Korea team and especially the captain Park Ji-sung.

“I just love the way he plays. I am hoping I can catch the matches at work,” said Bhammar, who regularly orders South Korean football merchandise from the UK when friends are visiting.

To steer clear of such issues that could come in between him and his football, Argentina supporter Karan Valecha (25) will be experiencing the unnerving anticipation amid the crowd at the hub of all action - the venue.

Karan and his brother Kapil (22) are off to watch the semi-finals in South Africa on July 2 for a week-long ‘football break’.

“It was one of the things listed on my to-do list… next up is the Champions League finals or a Chelsea Vs Manchester United game. Sometime soon, hopefully,” said Karan.