TV9 Network recently organized the News9 Plus Corporate Cup, where the victorious HDFC Bank team had the privilege of experiencing a Bundesliga match in Germany.

Before the highly anticipated match at Allianz Arena, the HDFC Bank Team had the privilege of visiting the Bundesliga Esports centre, where they witnessed virtual football competitions involving Bundesliga teams.

TV9 Network and the winning teams got a chance to meet and interact with football legend Lothar Matthus, the inaugural FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991, 1990 Ballon d’Or winner, and Roman Weidenfeller, former Germany and Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper, the media outlet said in a press release yesterday.

When the TV9 Network team presented the Lord Ganesha idol to Matthaus, he held the statue in his hands and was overwhelmed with emotion. The gift of Lord Ganesha brought him immense joy. It is no surprise as he, a legendary figure in German football, has the World Cup under his belt.

Currently seated in Bayern Munich’s den, Matthaus continues to inspire. Just as TV9 Network presented a gift of Lord Ganesh, Matthaus reciprocated by signing a Bayern Munich jersey and sending it back.

Matthaus himself expressed his interest in Indian football, acknowledging that India has a relatively young football culture. He conveyed his willingness to contribute to Indian football if the need arises. Additionally, he expressed his desire to visit India and meet his fans.

He commended TV9’s remarkable initiative, acknowledging its lasting impact. The Corporate Cup serves as a platform to discover new talents, and in the days to come, it will continue to uncover promising individuals. Bringing talented players from a vast country like India should not pose a challenge; it simply requires effective scouting.

Wiedenfeller, another distinguished World Cup player, shared valuable insights into Indian football and engaged in separate discussions with the team.

Having secured the championship in the one-of-a-kind corporate tournament on May 7, the members of HDFC Bank Team experienced the exhilarating spectacle of the European giants Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig clash in a highly anticipated German first-division football match on May 20 in Munich, Germany. Joining the winning team in the stands to witness the breath-taking football action was Girish Mahajan, Maharashtra’s Sports and Youth Welfare Minister.

While sharing his experience Sukesh Shastri, SVP of HDFC Bank, said, “Our time in Germany was truly electrifying. Witnessing the match alongside passionate football fans from around the world was a remarkable experience. Meeting legends like Mr. Lothar Matthus and Roman Weidenfeller were the main highlights of our trip. It is a great experience for all the corporates in India that TV9 Network has built and from here we just expect to go to the next level.”

The News9 Corporate Cup has left an indelible impression in the corporate realm as weekend football has typically revolved around prize money. However, TV9’s visionary initiative has sparked a different kind of dream — opening new horizons for the future.