Date:02/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/02/stories/2006070220810200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Get ready for `Go, Get the Goal'

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: Aviation technology and football don't make strange bedfellows as far as Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) is concerned.

With the World Cup fever catching aviation experts, the company has kicked off a series of sporty campaigns. Codenamed Goal O' Goal, HAL has roped in its football team for this interesting event. As a first step, HAL rolled out five themes based on football jargon such as free kick, penalty shot, goal delight and team spirit. The company's flagship product, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv's impressions over a football ground fills in the fifth slot.

Terming the current campaign a token of HAL's support to the team, Chairman Ashok K.Baweja says, "Our flying machines symbolise the might and capabilities of the nation, while our football team stands out for its commitment to the game. We are second to none in realising our goals.'' HAL's football team, the current Karnataka champions, have in the past beaten national champions from Kolkata. The team has been making inroads in the National Football League, Second Division, with some great performances to find the third spot. HAL's two players have represented India this year and team captain Xavier V. was part of the AFC Qualifying Championship in Japan and AFC Challenge Trophy in Bangladesh.

HAL is planning a special football showdown in Bangalore ahead of the World Cup finals on July 19 in Berlin. The company's specially decorated World Cup Caravan with its football players will visit parks in the city with a series of fun-filled games for children fond of the game.

"We don't want to miss this opportunity. Children and parents can look forward to this unique goal-scoring mela. Be there, score goals, play without football team and take home prizes," says HAL football team coach Krishnaji Rao, who is the former technical director of the Indian team. The date and time for the "Go, Get the Goal" mela will be announced shortly.