Kolkata: Indian Super League franchise Atletico de Kolkata is all set to play their first ever IFA Shield in the forthcoming edition. The U19 squad of the ISL franchise will field their U19 squad as the tournament is now a U19 tournament. The historic competition which was started back in 1893 and is one of the oldest football tournaments in the world. Apart from Atletico de Kolkata, teams like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Minerva Punjab will also participate in this year’s edition.
Over the years, involvement of foreign teams has been one of the USPs of IFA Shield. East Bengal’s win over Pas club was first victory of an Indian club over a foreign club since 1947. But in this edition, theere won’t be any foreign teams to throw changes to the Indian clubs.
IFA Shield which was started in 1893, making it the 4th oldest football competition in history would certainly have some charm with the inclusion of Atletico de Kolkata. This will also be the first time when the Kolkata Giants will be clubbed with Atletico de Kolkata in a prestigious football competition.