The Kerala government has declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Monday, July 20, to allow students to watch the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, which begins shortly after midnight in India.
The decision covers schools, colleges and professional educational institutions across the state. However, examinations scheduled for Monday will be conducted as planned, the Chief Minister’s Office said.
“As Keralam catches the ultimate football fever ahead of the grand Argentina-Spain finale. To ensure our young fans can enjoy the midnight thriller without worrying about school, College the next morning, the Government has declared a holiday for all educational institutions tomorrow. Stay up, cheer out loud, and enjoy the game,” Chief Minister V D Satheesan said in a social-media post announcing the decision.
General Education Minister N Samsudheen said the school holiday was declared after the department received requests from football-loving students. Announcing the decision online, the minister asked: “Happy now, children?”
Higher Education Minister Roji M John separately confirmed that the holiday would extend to colleges and professional institutions. He said the late finishing time could also create difficulties for students travelling to educational institutions on Monday morning.
All eyes on the final
The final will begin at 12.30 am IST on Monday at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The much anticipated final of the world cup will see defending world champions Argentina go against European champions Spain in the 104th match of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Kerala has traditionally been one of India’s most enthusiastic football markets, with Argentina and Lionel Messi commanding a particularly large following. Fan groups, sports clubs and residents’ associations have organised large public screenings across the state, while giant player cutouts and team flags have appeared in several towns ahead of the final.
Internet reacts
The unusual holiday announcement drew an immediate response online. Supporters celebrated the decision as recognition of Kerala’s football culture, with one user remarking that “only Kerala can make football feel like a festival”.
Others questioned whether a statewide academic holiday was necessary for an international sporting event and raised concerns over the loss of classroom time. The government’s decision to retain the existing examination schedule, however, ensured that university and other pre-announced tests would not be disrupted.