Netizens are in awe of Bollywood actor John Abraham backing the football team NorthEast United FC despite a decade of setbacks, many took to social media and lauded him for his dedication and perseverance.
While John Abraham faced box office failure with his film ‘Vedaa’ which was released on Independence Day, he sprung back up on the professional front, though this time in the sports arena. His football team, NorthEast United FC, clinched its maiden Durand Cup in a thrilling final against defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. This victory marks their first-ever silverware in Indian football. NorthEast United received a winning prize of Rs 60,00,000 while Rs 30,00,000 was awarded to Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
The club was founded in 2013 and has been backed by John Abraham ever since. It represents the eight states of North East India, including Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Mizoram. John’s wife Priya Runchal serves as the chairperson of the club. In an earlier interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, John spoke about the state of football in India and shared, “Bureaucracy has destroyed Indian football. But every year I face a huge loss. I am an individual owner and all the other teams are owned by multi-billion dollar corporates. So it is very difficult for me to compete. I want to present my football team with a lot of pride. I feel bad and nearly cry when we keep losing. I love this football team and I’ve created it from scratch. I hope the government backs me.”
To delve deeper into this remarkable journey, one must look at the hurdles and triumphs that have defined NorthEast United FC’s past decade. The team has faced managerial changes, player turnovers, and developmental challenges, amplified by the systemic issues that plague Indian football. Despite this, John Abraham’s commitment to the team never wavered. His willingness to personally bear financial losses to keep the club afloat speaks volumes about his dedication.
Netizens’ reactions to this monumental win have been profoundly positive. Several fans and followers took to social media, expressing admiration for John Abraham’s steadfast support over the years.
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One tweet by @IndianFootTalks read: “I built this Club from scratch. I nearly cry when we used to lose matches.” – John Abraham. This man totally deserved it. ♥️🏆💯#NorthEastUnitedFC @NEUtdFC @HighlanderB8.”
Many reflected on the broader impact of his endeavors on Indian football. @AwaaraHoon tweeted, “Respect for John Abraham, he has done more for Indian Football than many corporate and people in power have done. This success means a lot to him and NorthEast United FC 🫡👏.”
Another user, @Kupid_22, highlighted the tenacity and resilience shown by the actor and his team: “Despite a decade of setbacks, John Abraham stood tall and backed Northeast United FC. He has finally achieved the recognition he deserves. Persistence pays off~Here’s to continued success! What a Historic Night 🖤❤️🤍🫡 #JohnAbraham #IndianFootball #NEUFC.”
The heartfelt responses on social media underscore the profound connection John Abraham has managed to foster with his team and their fans. His journey with NorthEast United FC has been a testament to perseverance and passion in the face of adversity.
On the cinematic front, John Abraham was recently seen in the intense action-thriller ‘Vedaa’, which also stars Sharvari and Tamannaah Bhatia. Helmed by Nikkhil Advani, the film is described as a “powerful story of resilience and the indomitable human spirit.” It follows the journey of a young woman, Vedaa (Sharvari), who dares to challenge the status quo. Her fight for justice is fueled by the unwavering support of a former soldier (John) who becomes her shield and her weapon. Despite the film’s lackluster performance at the box office, John’s success with NorthEast United FC has provided a significant career highlight.
A defining characteristic of John Abraham’s career, whether in films or on the football field, is his commitment to impactful storytelling and perseverance. His victory with NorthEast United FC not only brings a coveted title to the club but also highlights the robust spirit that is essential for overcoming setbacks, both in sports and life.
The triumph serves as a significant milestone for NorthEast United FC and John Abraham, showcasing what unwavering dedication can achieve even when faced with insurmountable odds. As netizens continue to laud this remarkable accomplishment, it ignites hope and inspiration for the future of Indian football.
