'Superstar Salman Khan will inaugurate bike race event in Kozhikode', says Kerala Min Abdurahiman

MALAPPURAM: Kerala sports minister V Abdurahiman announced that Bollywood superstar Salman Khan will inaugurate the bike race at the Kozhikode Stadium. The minister was speaking after inaugurating the Vandi Poot competition in Pookkottoor, Malappuram. The minister also said that the government is considering the request to approve the Vandi Poot competition.

The minister’s latest promise has evoked mixed reactions as it came just a day after the touted Lionel Messi plan fell apart. Abdurahiman had earlier promised to bring the Argentina team and Messi to Kochi by all means.

The Argentine media reported, quoting AFA officials, that Kerala was not anywhere near meeting the standards demanded by the team. The AFA also alleged that the arrangements were not completed on time. The government and the sponsor had earlier promised that the Argentine team, led by Messi, would play in Kochi on November 17.

Meanwhile, a visibly furious sponsor met the press on Saturday and clarified that efforts are on to bring the football ‘messiah’ and his team to Kerala by the next game window, which is assumed to be in March of 2026.

The owners of the Reporter Broadcast Company, the organisers, justified their decision saying that the Kaloor Stadium, which was scheduled to host the match, failed to receive a FIFA clearance certificate, which dashed the hopes of Messi’s visit.

Argentina's next match is against Angola in November. Organisers, including Anto Augustine of the Reporter channel, justified the AFA decision, saying that the long travel from Angola to Kerala would likely create jet lag for players.