Kochi: October 30, 2020: Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) proudly announces the launch of the club’s official 3rd Kit in honor of the unflinching and brave spirit of frontline workers all over the world. The decision of the club to dedicate the official 3rd kit to the warriors, who have been relentlessly working to win the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is as an extension of the #SaluteOurHeroes campaign, initiated earlier this year. Through this campaign the club has been using its strong social media presence to bring to light numerous inspiring stories and tireless efforts of Malayali frontline workers from all over the globe. This kit will be donned with pride by the players during select matches in the upcoming season of the Indian Super League.
In addition to the above, the club also takes pride in announcing that this special kit has been designed by one of its ardent fans. This unique and carefully outlined pattern was designed by Sumana Sainath, a 20-year old B.SC student from Christ University, Bangalore. Sumana emerged as the winner from over 300 design entries that were received as part of a contest run by Kerala Blasters on its official social media handles, that gave the club’s supporters an opportunity to model a prototype for the club.
“From designing the jersey as a salute to our heroes during the pandemic to winning the competition, this journey with Kerala Blasters FC will remain unforgettable. To have contributed something as big as a jersey design to the best and one of the most passionate fan base ever, will certainly remain a highlight in my life. I would like to thank the entire team at KBFC and fans for all the love. Above all, a big thank you to our warriors, who are bravely fighting day and night against COVID. I wish the best of health to all”, said Sumana who will be receiving a customized jersey as a token of appreciation from the club.
The design has cleverly reconstructed the KBFC elephant using elements that symbolizes various categories of frontline workers that diligently blend into a story: Badges for the police, brooms for the sanitization workers, the stethoscope over a globe and the hands of protection for all the medical staff including doctors and nurses, a map of Kerala, the Indian Flag, swords as tuskers and a dove that symbolizes peace and protection to every fan all across the world no matter where they are. The colours ‘White’ and ‘Gold’ have also been thoughtfully chosen to resemble the ‘Kasavu mundu’ and pay tribute to the cultural heritage of Kerala.
“#SaluteOurHeroes is an initiative that is very close to everyone at the club. From having to initially search for people with heroic stories, we are happy that KBFC soon evolved into a platform with thousands of stories being shared by fans wanting to appreciate the heroes of COVID. While we were able to feature only a handful of stories from the many that came in, the kit contest was initiated as a collective thank you to all our heroes. It is my sincere hope and expectation that all fans, players and staff will wear this Special #SaluteOurHeroes jersey with as much courage, character and commitment as all our heroes have shown. Thank you heroes and we salute you!” said Nikhil Bhardwaj, Owner of Kerala Blasters FC.
