Kerala declares holiday for World Cup final: Memes flood social media as Messi mania closes schools, colleges | Today’s news
Kerala has just given football crazy students a golden gift. The state declared Monday a holiday, national excitement guaranteed.
All schools and colleges are closing their doors for the FIFA World Cup finals, PTI reported. Officials confirmed that the decision came after pressure from students.
Football loving students are desperate to watch the match. Argentina and Lionel Messi enjoy a huge following in the state.
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Kerala has declared a holiday due to the significant student pressure to watch the FIFA World Cup finals, reflecting the state’s strong football culture and fan base.
The FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina starts on July 20 at 12:30 PM IST.
Many social media users expressed their enthusiasm through memes, highlighting Kerala’s unique football culture, while some criticized the impact of the holiday on education.
The holiday allows students to fully participate in and celebrate the World Cup finals, promote sporting culture and provide a break from academic pressure.
Critics argued that the holiday could disrupt learning and questioned the necessity of the holiday for matches with countries unrelated to India.
General Education Minister N Samsudheen announced this online. “Are you happy now kids?” he playfully teased on social media.
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Samsudheen confirmed that schools will remain closed on July 20. The final starts today after midnight, at 12:30 to be exact.
Higher Education Minister Roji M John followed with corresponding messages. Holidays were also given to universities and professional institutions. He said Chief Minister VD Satheesan personally guided the decision.
“On the occasion of the FIFA World Cup final, as per the instructions of the Chief Minister, a holiday is declared for higher education institutions in Kerala, including professional colleges, on Monday,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.
Subsequently, travel problems would also be conveniently avoided. “Let’s really enjoy the finale!” John declared enthusiastically.
However, it was not a spontaneous decision. CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty had demanded leave earlier. He warned that the match would stretch into Monday morning.
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Students, he claimed, simply couldn’t get to school on time. Sivankutty even suggested a working Saturday to balance things out.
Several UDF leaders reiterated similar demands for time off. Notably, the three ministers are passionate football fanatics themselves. Samsudheen, John and Sports Minister OJ Janeesh regularly share their support for football.
Reaction on social networks
Social media users shared their enthusiastic reactions. Hilarious memes flooded the internet.
“Only Kerala can make football feel like a festival,” wrote one.
“Wow it will never be for cricket. The craziness is unreal for the FIFA World Cup,” another user exclaimed.
One user wrote: “Three weeks ago I was on a trip to Thrissur with my family. Oh my god, there were literally massive cutouts of Messi everywhere! I never knew Kerala was so crazy about him. At that exact moment I thought, ‘Imagine what it would be like during the Final!’
“We should promote it, not for the holidays but for the sport itself. At least some parents could be more aware of sports and hopefully encourage their kids to play them. Kerala & WB have a strong football culture but other states should support the sport,” came another.
However, some users did not appreciate the decision.
“The match is at 12:30 in India lol. What do school kids know about football?” one of them wondered.
“Absolutely wrong. Why are school holidays declared for the World Cup finals? Doesn’t it reduce students’ learning time and affect their academic progress?” one user asked.
“Why is Kerala bothering because of 2 nations that have nothing to do with India at all?” another user asked.
One user stated, “This is why India will never become a superpower.”
“The match is at 12:30 IST. What’s the point of giving a holiday?” another user wondered.
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The Spain vs Argentina final kicks off at 12.30pm. It will continue until 2:30 if the game ends in regulation time. If overtime occurs, the match will be extended by an additional 30-40 minutes. If the final involves a penalty shootout, it will not end until 3:30.
