NEW DELHI: The 19th FIFA World Cup will see special exclusive pre-tournament programming on CNN-IBN and IBN7 to capture the excitement leading up to the greatest sporting extravaganza.

The varied programming includes The Beautiful Game on CNN-IBN which starts on 31 May and GOAL on IBN7 from 1 June. This special series will provide a 360 degree perspective of the key events leading up to the tournament by football expert and the country’s foremost football journalist Novy Kapadia. The programming will also feature an interview with celebrated footballer Bhaichung Bhutia and Bollywood star and football enthusiast John Abraham.

The pre-tournament programming with Novy Kapadia will include a series of half hour specials on CNN-IBN and IBN7 which will have a detailed analysis of the strengths and weakness of different teams, their preparedness for as well as their chances at the World Cup. The show will also take a close look at players to watch out for and team rivalries. The programming on CNN-IBN will be telecast on weekdays from 31 May till 10 June at 10.30 pm and on IBN7 on weekdays from 1 June till 10 June at 6.30 pm.

Additionally CNN-IBN’s award winning sports anchor Meha Bhardwaj in a special show will be seen in conversation with Captain of the Indian football team, Bhaichung Bhutia and actor and football aficionado John Abraham to be telecast on June 5 at 7.30 pm on CNN-IBN. This special will focus on players & teams to look out for at the world cup and the future of Indian football.

Talking about the pre-tournament programming line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2010, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-In-Chief, IBN18 Network said, “Football has a massive fan following in India and we want our viewers to get the best of the game’s biggest event. We are happy to have on board Novy Kapadia, country’s foremost football journalist, as part of our special pre-tournament programming line-up. The depth of experience which Novy Kapadia brings with him will provide viewers with rare insights into both the game as well as the world’s greatest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup 2010.”

Ashutosh, Managing Editor, IBN7, said, “The extensive pre-event programming will cover all the key aspects that football fans would like to learn about before the actual tournament. From player profiles to the venues and team rivalries, we will provide our viewers with all the information and the behind the scenes action they desire before the FIFA World Cup 2010.”