Chuni Goswami, PK Banerjee, Sailen Manna hoardings get prominence across Kolkata during the Pujas
The 2020 Durga Puja has been of a subdued manner with the streets no more playing hosts to throngs of crowds in the City of Joy.
However, while the people of West Bengal celebrate the festivities from the safe confines of their homes, the football governing body of the state has taken it upon itself to reach out to the masses.
Outside two of the more popular Durga Puja shamianas – in Ahiritola and Chetla – one could see (from afar), giant arched gateways proclaiming the love of football that the state has shown for more than a century, through IFA (Indian Football Association) banners.
Beside these arches, lies another hoarding that commemorates two of the greatest footballers that the country has produced in its history – Chuni Goswami and PK Banerjee.
“Football itself is a festival here in Bengal. So it is apt that we move along with the festive season here and celebrate it all together,” said IFA General Secretary Mr. Joydeep Mukherjee said.
It is not just at these two venues that the state federation has attempted to take football forward together with the masses. Indeed, such banners, or hoardings have come up in different areas across the city.
An IFA hoarding is visible at a busy crossing in Chandi Chownk, a board commemorating former India captain Sailen Manna reminds the people of the glorious past of Indian football, when the late defender led India to gold at the 1951 Asian Games, and also wore the captain’s armband in the 1952 Olympics.
Apart from Kolkata, a banner or hoarding each has also come up in each of the 23 districts in West Bengal.
“At IFA, we believe that we are the pride of the people of Bengal, and we want to reach out to them and relate to them. Naturally, a lot of football lovers kept their eyes on the Puja Mandaps,” said Mr. Mukherjee. “We want to relate with them, and try and bring that much more smile to their faces when they see football-related banners. This is not just for the Pujas, but we also intend to have these banners everywhere throughout the year as well. It is our dream to have the IFA brand all over the state.”
Earlier this month, the IFA had played host to the Hero I-League Qualifiers, the first ever sporting event in the country post the lockdown, and is all geared up to host the Hero I-League 2020-21 later in the current football season.
CREDITS: AIFF Media
Also Read: Quarantine Diaries – Alexander Romario Jesuraj
Also Read: Gaurs launches the new Uzzo Jersey, the club’s official home kit for the 2020/21 season
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…