A ‘tight’ league, ‘amazing’ fans, and love for Kolkata – Jamal-Komron bid adieu to Hero I-League

KOLKATA: With the international window coming up, two of the biggest Asian exponents of the Hero I-League – Komron Tursunov of TRAU FC and Jamal Bhuyian of Mohammedan Sporting – have now said their goodbyes to their respective club teammates and fans.
Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan is set to join his national side, which will play a Tri-National tournament against Nepal and the Kyrgyz Republic U-23 Team from March 23-29. Meanwhile, Komron Tursunov is set to join the Tajikistan team for their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F Qualifier against Mongolia on March 25.
Jamal Bhuyan, who was on national team duty in Qatar before the start of the Hero I-League, said, “It was not an easy start by any means for me. I had to be in isolation for almost one month if you count my time in both Qatar and in India. But I think once that phase got over, I started to relax a bit more, and regain my power. So overall, it has been a good comeback for me after that.”
For TRAU forward Komron Tursunov, who had won the Hero I-League title with Mohun Bagan last season, it was more a matter of proving the doubters wrong.
“I became champions with Mohun Bagan last season, but nobody believed in TRAU’s capability at the start of this campaign,” said Tursunov. “But, we showed everyone that if you work hard enough, and do what your coach says, you will be a strong side.”
“Now that we are at the top of the table, more people believe in TRAU than they did at the start of the season. I’d like to wish my team all the very best. Although I would not be able to play the last two matches, I hope they win the title,” he continued.
Both Tursunov and Bhuyan played crucial roles in their respective final matches in the Hero I-League, putting their teams in a much better position on the points table. While the Tajik international scored the only goal in TRAU’s 1-0 victory over RoundGlass Punjab FC, the Bangladesh skipper walked out as the captain for Mohammedan SC, and provided two assists in a 4-1 victory over title contenders Churchill Brothers FC Goa.
However, it was not an easy start to the campaign by any means, for either of these two international stars. The Bangladesh skipper, who was playing in the Hero I-League for the first time, felt that it has been a difficult campaign, one where the results have been quite unpredictable.
“This league has been very tight. You never know who is going to win on the day, and that’s a very good sign. One day you can win against the top side, and the next day you can lose against the number 10 team,” he stated.
However, with Mohammedan Sporting having a long history and a large fan-base, such losses have drawn some criticism.
“The fans here are amazing. If you win a game, you will be praised. But if you lose, you will surely hear about it from them,” smiled Jamal. “It has to be like that. If you lose, you have to pay for it, and I find it beautiful. For me, it doesn’t bother me if somebody says something bad to me, or the other way round. I just enjoy the moment, and thanks to the fans for always watching Mohammedan.”
Despite the ups and the downs, Jamal’s season culminated in donning the captain’s armband for Mohammedan on his last matchday, something that the Bangladesh skipper will cherish.
“Mohammedan have a beautiful history. Wearing the captain’s band was a proud moment for me. I’m sure I am going to remember this day forever. You come from a small country like Bangladesh, and you come to India, become a captain for Mohammedan, it’s a special feeling,” said Jamal.
TRAU forward Komron has played a crucial role for his side this season, amassing six goals – one of which made the history books as being the fastest goal in the Hero I-League. The Tajikistan International believes that Kolkata has now become a second home for him.
“I love this city, Kolkata. This is like my second home,” beamed Komron. “I’ve had some very good memories here, winning the championship last season, and I hope my teammates can produce the results in the last two games and win another championship for me.”
Although the 26-year-old said his goodbyes to his teammates, and to India for now, Komron kept the door open for a return in the future. “I’ve played my last game this season, and said my goodbyes to my teammates and to India for now. Maybe I could come back next season. We shall see,” he signed off.
VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/ZqS8pMr_PWw
CREDITS: AIFF MEDIA
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Arrows have been understanding the responsibilities and deserve full points, says Mahesh Gawali
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: India vs. Thailand – A Winner-Take-All Showdown!
The stage is set for a thrilling climax in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, as India’s Blue Tigresses prepare to face Thailand’s Chabakaew in a…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The Quest for Redemption: Why Tomorrow’s India vs. Thailand clash transcends Qualification
As the clock ticks down to the monumental clash between India and Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the air is thick with anticipation. This isn’t just…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Etched in History: Blue Tigresses Break the Hex, Qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026!
When the final whistle pierced the air at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, it wasn’t just a sound; it was the echo of history being rewritten. Tears streamed…
East Bengal to play Bangalore’s South United in opener as 134th IndianOil Durand Cup fixtures and groups announced
The 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, will kick off on July 23rd, 2025, with Emami East Bengal FC facing Bengaluru-based South United FC (SUFC) at the iconic Vivekananda…
Hon. President of India Flags Off 134th Durand Cup Trophies in a Grand Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi, July 4, 2025: In a moment steeped in legacy and national pride, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
FIFA Women’s World Cup the next mountain to climb for the Blue Tigresses
It’s been four days since India’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. But the dust from the celebrations isn’t settling anytime soon, and the women’s football…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / AIFF / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF announces reward for fantastic Blue Tigresses
AIFF has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women’s National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand. The…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…