Barclays launches 'the fan of India"

Barclays launched its search for the fan of India as it seeks to find the most passionate supporter of the BPL in India.

From Kerala to Kolkata, Mumbai to Mohali and Goa to Guwahati, India has some of the most fervent fans of Barclays Premier League football in the world.

The Barclays Premier League is the most popular domestic football tournament anywhere in the world, with over 4.77 billion people watching it in over 200 countries.

It also has many of the top players including world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo and want to find fans that go to extraordinary lengths to support their favourite Barclays Premier League team or player.

Fans are required to explain in not more than 100 words why they are the Barclays 'Fan of India' and can include slogans, videos or photographs to support their entry.

Entries can be submitted by post, by drop box in selected malls or cafe locations, e-mail, or uploaded online by visiting www.Barclaysfanofindia.Com.

The competition will run from May 12 to June 2 with the winner announced in mid June.

The two most passionate fans will travel to England to watch their favourite Barclays Premier League team play 'live' during the 2009-10 season. This will include flights, 4-star hotel accommodation, tickets and transfers.

The 10 runners-up will also receive a Barclays Premier League team shirt of their choice, Arnold Wilson stated in a press release.

Manchester United's legendary midfielder Bryan Robson, a judge and ambassador for the Fan of India Contest said, "I know that representatives from Manchester United have visited India several times in the not too distant past and are always amazed at the level of interest there is in the Barclays Premier League... I am looking forward to seeing how this is reflected in the entries for the Barclays Fan of India competition." Liverpool's Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina said, "Barclays Premier League supporters are the best in the world and will go to great lengths to follow their favourite team. Liverpool have a huge following on the sub-continent so I'm hoping the Barclays Fan of India will be a Reds supporter and get the chance to come over to England and see me in action!"