Blackburn Rovers to tour four Indian cities

English Premier League club Blackburn Rovers are set to visit four Indian cities later this month. After going to Goa, Kolkata and Mumbai the final tour stop will be Pune, the home town of their Indian owners the Venky's, on July 23.

As Kolkata giants East Bengal Club turned down the offer to play the EPL side no match against any Indian club would be organised, but rather an interaction with Indian youngsters. Blackburn Rovers players will play alongside Indian boys in a tournament across the four cities.

A statement released by Venky’s read

The tournament will be held in Goa, Kolkata, Mumbai with the finals in Pune on July 23.

Blackburn Rovers players will play alongside Indian boys by dividing themselves among the final eight teams from the four cities. This will give the youngsters a chance to play alongside the likes of Chris Samba, Paul Robinson, David Dunn, Brett Emerton, David Hoilett, Jason Roberts, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Michel Salgado, Martin Olsson, Steven Nzonzi and Ryan Nelsen.

Announcing the tournament details B. Balaji Rao [Director, Venkateshwara Hatcheries Group (Venky’s)] said, "The Company is committed to elevating footballing standards in India. This event is an attempt to develop football at the grassroot levels and create opportunities for young Indian footballers."

"We firmly believe that given the right training and opportunity, it is a matter of time before the next Rover's star will come from India. Exposing youngsters to the first team of Blackburn Rovers Football Club is merely a first step in this direction. The company has larger plans which it will disclose very shortly."