GUWAHATI: With the FIFA World Cup about to kick off on Thursday, the country is in the grip of a football frenzy and the nice line between fandom and fanaticism is wearing skinny. Among those straddling the road is Putul Borah, a 57-year-old businessman from Diphu the town in Assam, who has built an auditorium with a financial institution loan of Rs 13 lakh to display screen suits for football fans.
Borah, who is a diehard fan of Germany, has named the auditorium 'The German Stadium'. It shall be officially inaugurated through Gilbertson Sangma - one of the most revered Assamese footballers of yesteryear - on Thursday, forward of the primary World Cup fit between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia. The auditorium on the ground ground can accommodate no less than 100 people - 200 extra can squeeze in within the courtyard of his house - all of whom can sit down in combination and watch the suits that shall be beamed continue to exist a 53-inch display screen, with tea and snacks also to be served to the guests.
Putul Borah, a 57-year-old businessman from Diphu the town in Assam
"The construction of the auditorium began almost two years ago. Preparations were stepped up since June last year. This has taken a long time but now I am ready for the show," an excited Borah informed TOI on Wednesday.
A loan of Rs 13 lakh used to be a daunting prospect at first however monetary constraints in the end proved secondary to Borah's love for the game. "I have been organizing screenings of football matches at my home since 1990. I have always invited people to my home to watch the matches together and offered refreshments to my guests Thankfully, the State Bank of India sanctioned the loan in my wife's name," Borah added.
Borah, who has embellished his house with German flags, remembers with fondness the brilliant presentations through Michael Ballack and Oliver Kahn - two German gamers he has always idolised. Though there used to be heartbreak for the duo in the 2002 World Cup, Mario Gotze's extra-time winner against Argentina four years previous had left Borah elated. Borah feels the protecting champions once more have a powerful enough group this 12 months and will repeat their moment of glory in the event that they play well as a unit.
During the suits, a replica of the World Cup and a bottle of a Passport Scotch whiskey - which he had preserved for greater than 20 years looking ahead to Germany to win the World Cup - are put up on display within a tumbler box. "I dug out the bottle in 2014 after the Germany won but I have kept it unopened. I am planning to gift it to a few German players if they lift the trophy again this year," he mentioned.
A true football fan, Borah feels that extremes of emotions and divisive hatred that the game ceaselessly engenders does now not have an effect on him. As a sworn statement to that, flags of all of the other 31 nations have found a place in his home although German enthusiasts, quite understandably, outnumber them. Admitting that he always welcomes enthusiasts of all international locations with open palms, Borah added, "Supporters of Argentina, Brazil, Spain and other teams always come to my home to watch the matches together. We celebrate each other's success and love the game for the unity it brings among the people. Let's use football to spread the message of peace and harmony."
Borah, who is a diehard fan of Germany, has named the auditorium 'The German Stadium'. It shall be officially inaugurated through Gilbertson Sangma - one of the most revered Assamese footballers of yesteryear - on Thursday, forward of the primary World Cup fit between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia. The auditorium on the ground ground can accommodate no less than 100 people - 200 extra can squeeze in within the courtyard of his house - all of whom can sit down in combination and watch the suits that shall be beamed continue to exist a 53-inch display screen, with tea and snacks also to be served to the guests.
Putul Borah, a 57-year-old businessman from Diphu the town in Assam
"The construction of the auditorium began almost two years ago. Preparations were stepped up since June last year. This has taken a long time but now I am ready for the show," an excited Borah informed TOI on Wednesday.
A loan of Rs 13 lakh used to be a daunting prospect at first however monetary constraints in the end proved secondary to Borah's love for the game. "I have been organizing screenings of football matches at my home since 1990. I have always invited people to my home to watch the matches together and offered refreshments to my guests Thankfully, the State Bank of India sanctioned the loan in my wife's name," Borah added.
Borah, who has embellished his house with German flags, remembers with fondness the brilliant presentations through Michael Ballack and Oliver Kahn - two German gamers he has always idolised. Though there used to be heartbreak for the duo in the 2002 World Cup, Mario Gotze's extra-time winner against Argentina four years previous had left Borah elated. Borah feels the protecting champions once more have a powerful enough group this 12 months and will repeat their moment of glory in the event that they play well as a unit.
During the suits, a replica of the World Cup and a bottle of a Passport Scotch whiskey - which he had preserved for greater than 20 years looking ahead to Germany to win the World Cup - are put up on display within a tumbler box. "I dug out the bottle in 2014 after the Germany won but I have kept it unopened. I am planning to gift it to a few German players if they lift the trophy again this year," he mentioned.
A true football fan, Borah feels that extremes of emotions and divisive hatred that the game ceaselessly engenders does now not have an effect on him. As a sworn statement to that, flags of all of the other 31 nations have found a place in his home although German enthusiasts, quite understandably, outnumber them. Admitting that he always welcomes enthusiasts of all international locations with open palms, Borah added, "Supporters of Argentina, Brazil, Spain and other teams always come to my home to watch the matches together. We celebrate each other's success and love the game for the unity it brings among the people. Let's use football to spread the message of peace and harmony."
Assam superfan builds 'German Stadium' with Rs 13 lakh bank loan
![Assam superfan builds 'German Stadium' with Rs 13 lakh bank loan]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
June 14, 2018
Rating:
