16 January, 2026, 9:51 am Central - 30°C Clouds

Fifa World Cup: India couple marry in France, Argentina football shirts

Fifa World Cup: India couple marry in France, Argentina football shirts

By Alipate Narawa
20/12/2022
[Photo: BBC]

Football fans in the southern Indian state of Kerala have always distinguished themselves for their love for football in a cricket-crazy country.

Makeshift screens were set up across the state as Argentinian and French flags fluttered in the streets.

But a couple stood out in their devotion for the beautiful game, they didn't want to compromise on which team they supported in the final.

Sachin is an ardent fan of Argentina star Lionel Messi, while Athira is a passionate supporter of the French football team.

Over their jewellery and traditional wedding attire, the couple wore number 10 jerseys - Athira donned one for French forward Kylian Mbappe while Sachin wore Argentina's colours for Messi.

Following their wedding ceremony, the couple raced through their reception and the wedding feast to make it back to Sachin's house 206km away in time to watch what turned out to be a sensational final.

The state's devotion for the game even caught the eye of FIFA last month when it tweeted about fans setting up giant cardboard cut-outs of football stars in the state.

Brazilian star Neymar also noticed the statues and thanked his fans in the state.

[Source: BBC]

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Woman rushed to hospital after Pacific Harbour two car-crash
A major road accident occurred in Pacific Harbour this morning after two vehicles had a head-on-collision.A woman was rushed to Navua hospital followi...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
PM in NZ to undergo medical review of an old injury
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka is in New Zealand to undergo a scheduled medical review of an old injury from his rugby days. A government statement ...
60 minutes ago

Back to School Assistance payments begin today
Back to School Assistance payments for the 2026 school year will begin today, with $40 million allocated for the programme in the 2025–2026 ...
2 hours ago

Flash Flood and Heavy Rain Warnings remain in force across Fiji
A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for Tavua, Rakiraki, Tailevu, the interior of Naitasiri to Nausori and Suva, and the whole of Vanua ...
2 hours ago

Free screenings of award-winning films mark launch of Indian Film Festival
You can watch award winning Indian films Uri: The Surgical Strike and Major at the Life Cinema Nakasi for free as the Indian Film Festival has ...
2 hours ago

UTOF pays out $8.349 million in dividends to 108,000 account holders
Good news as Unit Trust of Fiji has today processed and paid out a total of $8.349 million in dividends to 108,000 account holders across the ...
16 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Electricity tariff increase for users consuming more than 100 units
There is an increase in the electricity tariff rate for consumers using more than 100 units from 1 January next year.Fijian Competition and Consumer ...
14 days ago

Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States remains deeply concerned about indicators of trans-national organised crime and human trafficking in Fiji associated with the Grace ...
25 days ago

Cheap seed oils are not good for our health - O'Neill
With over 80 percent of deaths in Fiji caused by cardiovascular disease based on the 2011 report, naturopath and nutritionist Barbara O’Neill is ...
25 days ago

TOP