Euphoria grips Kolkata after Bagan triumph

The ‘City of Football’ erupted in joy no sooner Bello Rasaq scored the equaliser in Bengaluru to earn Mohun Bagan the I-League, first time since their NFL win in 2001-02.

From Facebook to Twitter, Mohun Bagan became the trending topic as the green and maroon brigade made their presence felt in the age of social media.

Congratulating on their triumph, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, tweeted, "After 11 years the Football I-League trophy comes back to #Bengal. Congratulations Mohun Bagan."

Advertisement

The last time a city club who had won the national championship was 11 years ago by East Bengal.

Terming this a historic moment, legendary footballer Chuni Goswami said, "The win has injected much needed life into the Bengal football."

Fans donning the green-maroon jersey roamed around the city on motorcycles and shouted slogans like ‘Bharat Sera Mohun Bagan (We are the champions)’ and the noise of firecrackers could be heard from almost everywhere in the city.

There were wild celebrations near the club tent as supporters and fans distributed sweets and at some places they were seen smearing green and maroon ‘gulal’ (colour powder).

Overwhelmed at the victory, club’s general secretary said, "I am speechless, I am overwhelmed… The team is coming to the city tomorrow and the entire team along with players who could not go would come to the club in the team bus straight from the airport. All the members and supporters will be present at the club to welcome the heroes." 

The team is expected to reach around 1 pm tomorrow as the euphoric green and maroon fans are expected to throng the airport.

Mohun Bagan have won the title after a 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC in their final game of the 2014-15 season at the Kanteerva Stadium, Bangalore today evening.

John Johnson opened the scoring in the 41st minute before Rasaq scored the equaliser in the 86th minute.

Advertisement