MUMBAI: FIFA U-17, World Cup is around the corner and so, are options to stay updated on the live event happenings. We have TV, the small screens, apps and the latest addition to this is All India Radio (AIR). India’s oldest air broadcaster will now give live updates for FIFA U-17. AIR has acquired the permissions from Sony to air live match commentary.

FIFA is all set to begin from 6 October and AIR is well prepared to air FIFA commentary live from the stadium. “This is the first time we are covering FIFA live, covering India live and the matches that will take place in foreign locations will be updated at intervals. In metropolitan cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata), we are airing the commentary on primary as well as AIR Gold FM channels, whereas in other cities it will be on medium waves,” said AIR assistant director of sports Kapilkumar Dhorey.

Amongst the 52 matches of the championship, AIR will provide live updates for 20 matches conducted in various parts of India along with the Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and the Finals. The station will provide live reporting and updates for the remaining matches.

AIR has been covering FIFA Semi-Finals and Finals for a very long time. Though live match updates will be the first experience, Dhorey is all positive about the audience response.

“AIR is a public broadcaster and these services are meant for the public itself. This is the first time that FIFA has given the rights to conduct matches in India. We want to popularise ourselves in FIFA U-17 so we can get a chance to conduct the main FIFA league too,” said Dhorey.

The station has witnessed a huge amount of listenership during cricket commentaries which have helped AIR’s TRP rates to be at a peak. The brand has similar expectations from FIFA U-17.

Elaborating on the preparations done by AIR from FIFA, Dhorey states, “We have prepared around 15-20 commentators who will give live updates in English and Hindi. They are placed throughout India like Delhi, Guwahati, Goa, Mumbai and many other cities. We have also purchased commentary booths for commentating in English and Hindi alternately.”