Praselan Chanthar (main image), had a smile as wide as the River Mersey.
He couldn’t believe his luck when the emcee called his name as one of the two grand prize winners at the KL Kopites’ ‘EPL Champions 2025 Liverpool FC Bus Parade’ on May 31.
The event at 3 Two Square in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, saw 800 fans – decked out in Liverpool kits, waving flags, scarves and singing club-related songs – gather to celebrate the club’s 20th league title.
They also had the chance to pose with replica Premier League trophies.
Praselan had travelled from Melaka just for the event and proclaimed it the “best day of my life.”
The 28-year-old, who has been supporting Liverpool since he was eight, said it has always been his dream to visit Anfield.
He will get his wish next season after winning the grand prize – a ticket at the Kop end to watch his beloved team face archrival Manchester United.
The English Premier League will release the fixtures on June 18.
“Give me a minute to compose myself. I’m in shock,” said Praselan, who found out about the event through friends who are members of the KL Kopites, an Official Supporters Club.
After some high-fives, hugs, and celebratory handshakes from friends and strangers, a more composed Praselan was still beaming.
“This is the best day of my life. I would like to thank the KL Kopites for organising an amazing event and for the wonderful prize,” said Praselan, who works in trade compliance at Infineon Technologies.
“I thought Liverpool winning the title was a miracle, but winning a ticket to Anfield is a bigger miracle.
“When Jurgen Klopp left last season, I expected Liverpool to go through a transition period, although I was secretly hoping we would win the league.”
Praselan said he had faith that new boss, Arne Slot, who celebrated one year in charge on June 1, was capable of guiding the Reds to many trophies.
“He had a good record in the Dutch league and I was confident he was the right man for Liverpool,” said Praselan, who thanked his father R. Chanthar and uncle R. Subramaniam, for being Liverpool fans.
“I got my love for the club from them. They have been supporting Liverpool since before I was born. They have been through the good times and bad.”
Praselan added that his all-time favourite Liverpool player is Steven Gerrard.
“From the current crop, Mohamed Salah is my favourite. I can’t believe I will have the chance to watch him play at Anfield – and against Manchester United, too. Thank you KL Kopites.”
Another winner, Vinod Varma Anand, had attended the parade earlier in the day but wasn’t present during the lucky draw. He, however, will receive his prize.
KL Kopites president Sashidaran Nair had promised that those who registered for the event would receive their prizes even if they weren’t present during the lucky draw.
“The celebrations lasted seven hours. I understand that some fans couldn’t stay for the entire duration, so we told them not to worry if they weren’t present during the lucky draw,” said Sashidaran, who was in Liverpool for the final game of the season on May 25 and the parade through the city the following day.
“As the Official Supporters Club, KL Kopites wanted to do something special for the fans this year, as we couldn’t celebrate in 2020 because of Covid-19.
“I’m happy with the turnout. Hopefully, we will have many more such events in future.”
Apart from the two Anfield tickets, attendees had the chance to win jerseys signed by Harry Kewell and Lucas Leiva, and other Liverpool memorabilia.
The evening ended with several KL Kopites parading through the streets of Petaling Jaya on a double-decker bus fully wrapped in Liverpool’s colours.
