National News
Jos Alukkas and PFC Kerala Unite for Football World Cup Dream
Renowned jewellery group Jos Alukkas is making a bold entry into football by partnering with PFC Kerala, officially recognized as an elite-category club tasked with training Indian players for the World Cup. Based in Parappur, Thrissur—a village synonymous with football—PFC Kerala has been nurturing talent since its inception in 2012.
The club boasts an impressive track record: six players have signed professional contracts with various ISL clubs. It has also contributed significantly to national and state teams, including one player each for the Santosh Trophy and the National Junior Team, 11 players for the State Sub-Junior Team, and five players for the Junior Team.
PFC Kerala’s Role in Mission World Cup 2047
PFC Kerala has been entrusted with the mission to train players for India’s World Cup team in 2047, a task assigned to just 32 academies nationwide, including ISL clubs. Notably, PFC Kerala is one of only two clubs in Kerala selected for this prestigious responsibility. This achievement grants the club direct entry into the National Youth League in the Under-13, Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 categories. The club has already excelled, winning championships in the Under-13 and Under-15 categories of the Kerala Youth League.
Operating as a residential academy for over a decade, PFC Kerala now trains 350 players without charging a fee, offering scientific and high-quality football training. The club’s efforts have earned it the Kerala Football Association’s Best Football Academy Award and an I-League membership.
Jos Alukkas: A Deep Connection with Football
The Jos Alukkas Group, under the leadership of Chairman Jos Alukkas, has been actively involved in Kerala’s football scene, both as a supporter and organizer. A former player himself, Jos Alukkas has played a key role in promoting the sport, including the successful organization of the Santosh Trophy in Thrissur. This edition of the Santosh Trophy, held under his leadership, was marked by record participation and profitability, becoming a milestone in Kerala’s sports history. Thrissur, the birthplace of legendary players like I.M. Vijayan and C.V. Pappachan, continues to be a vibrant hub of football passion.
“Jos Alukkas has taken up the big task of bringing Indian players to the World Cup. Chairman Jos Alukkas is a football star. We are proud to bring back his passion for football through PFC Kerala,” said C.C. Hanson, Founder of PFC Kerala.
“For the Jos Alukkas Group, football is more than just a game—it’s a mission. We are proud to support PFC Kerala in their journey to mold future stars for the World Cup,” said Group Chairman Jos Alukkas. He further added, “Football shaped me as a person and taught me valuable lessons that guide my business today. It is our duty to contribute to the nation by helping discover and nurture football talent.”
Highlighting the club’s goals, Managing Directors Varghese Alukkas, Paul J Alukkas, and John Alukkas stated, “A player’s true potential emerges through participation in competitive matches rather than intra-club games. Our priority is to ensure PFC Kerala competes in more matches to refine and showcase talent.”
At a special event in Thrissur, the new logo and jersey of the Jos Alukkas–PFC Kerala partnership were unveiled, symbolizing a fresh chapter in the club’s journey. With a clear vision and robust support, PFC Kerala’s dream of participating in the ISL is now within reach.
DiamondBuzz
Jewelbox Expects Festive Momentum as Consumers Embrace Versatile Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery
In an exclusive JewelBuzz interview, Vidita Kochar Jain, Co-founder, Jewelbox, shares insights on festive jewellery demand, evolving consumer preferences, the growing acceptance of lab-grown diamonds and the brand’s latest personalised diamond offering, Signed Diamonds
Jewelbox, a contemporary lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, is witnessing an evolving jewellery consumption landscape, with consumers increasingly prioritising versatile designs, personal expression and value. As festive and wedding purchases gain momentum, the brand sees growing opportunities in everyday fine jewellery, gifting and personalised diamond offerings.

In an exclusive interview with JewelBuzz, Vidita Kochar Jain, Co-Founder, Jewelbox, discusses expectations for the current festive season, changing consumer sentiment, the growing appeal of lab-grown diamonds and the brand’s latest festive offering, Signed Diamonds, which brings a personal touch to diamond jewellery.
Jb: What are your expectations with regard to jewellery sales during the current festive season?
Vidita Kochar : Every year, the festive season is a strong period for jewellery consumption, with both gifting and self-purchases contributing to demand. Jewellery continues to hold a unique position in Indian celebrations, but the nature of consumption is evolving. Customers are increasingly looking beyond traditional occasion-led purchases towards versatile pieces that can be worn regularly. At Jewelbox, we expect lab-grown diamond jewellery to benefit from this shift, particularly in categories such as everyday fine jewellery, statement pieces and gifting. We remain optimistic about festive demand and expect to see sustained momentum across our retail and digital channels.


Jb: What is the current consumer sentiment regarding jewellery purchases?
Vidita Kochar: Consumer sentiment towards jewellery remains encouraging, although purchasing behaviour is becoming increasingly discerning. Customers are placing greater emphasis on design differentiation, product quality, versatility and the overall value proposition. There is also a discernible shift towards self-purchasing, with consumers increasingly viewing jewellery as a personal expression rather than an occasion-led purchase. Within this evolving landscape, lab-grown diamonds are finding greater acceptance, particularly among younger consumers who appreciate the ability to access fine jewellery across a wider range of designs and price points.
Jb: Are you launching any festive or wedding collections this season? If yes, please share the details?
Vidita Kochar: At Jewelbox, our focus this season is on offering jewellery that brings together contemporary design, versatility and craftsmanship. Our collections cater to festive celebrations as well as weddings, with designs that transition effortlessly from special occasions to everyday wear.
With changing consumer preferences reshaping the jewellery landscape, versatility, personalisation and design-led offerings are emerging as important purchase drivers.


Jewelbox’s focus on contemporary lab-grown diamond jewellery and innovative concepts such as Signed Diamonds reflects its approach to connecting with the evolving expectations of modern consumers. As the festive and wedding seasons bring renewed opportunities for the industry, the brand remains focused on making diamond jewellery more accessible, expressive and meaningful.
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