9828 Kolkata: The Host City of the final of FIFA U17 World Cup India 2017 hosted the Trophy Experience earlier today at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra. The Winner’s Trophy was unveiled by Shri Aroop Biswas, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of West Bengal, amidst huge cheers in Kolkata. Speaking about the Trophy Experience, he said, “It is a huge honour for Kolkata, a city known for its football fever, to host the Winner’s Trophy and the World Cup, which is only days away from now”. The Winner’s Trophy will be displayed for football fans, residents and tourists in the city on Sunday, 3rd September, at Eco Park. Urging Kolkatans to come and witness the silverware, Shri Biswas added, “The Trophy that will be lifted at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan on October 28th can be seen up-close for the first time in the City of Joy. Everyone should come this Sunday at Eco Park and be part of this wonderful experience”. "Our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has advised us to enjoy the event as well as Durga Puja like two festivals" he added. The occasion was made even more special with the presence of former greats like P.K. Banerjee, Shyam Thapa, Subrata Bhattacharya, Gautam Sarkar, Bidesh Bose, Prasun Banerjee and many other distinguished guests. 9930 Current footballers from East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, two teams that share a historic rivalry, came together on the same stage to pose with the FIFA U17 World Cup Winner’s Trophy, perfectly exhibiting the love of the game and the anticipation for what will be the biggest football tournament in the country. "I am extremely delighted on seeing the former players and also the current Mohun Bagan and East Bengal players who participated together for the event" said Joy Bhattacharya, Project Director and LOC of the World Cup. "We are rivals only on the field for 90/120 minutes apart from that we are friends. Today we are happy to be here and my best wishes go to the Indian team" said Alvito D'cunha. "There is a lot of excitement going on in Kolkata regarding the U17 World Cup" said Mohun Bagan forward Kamo. The AIFF vice-president Subrata Dutta is highly excited with the event, he said, "We are awaiting the arrival of the FIFA officials and as a result the necessary work has been completed. The work for the Salt Lake stadium has also been completed and I would like to thank the Chief Minister of the State Mamata Banerjee for that." Chaitali Chatterjee aged 84 years and has witnessed 9 World Cups, eagerly waiting for the Russia World Cup came to the inauguration ceremony upon receiving a call from I-League CEO Sunanda Dhar. Her husband Pannalal Chatterjee couldn't arrive on account of being indisposed. The Winner’s Trophy will be on display at the Mission XI Million festival at South City International School tomorrow, where children who are a part of the legacy programme of FIFA U17 World Cup India 2017 can come forward and pose with it. https://youtu.be/V7t42LuBBjo

FIFA U17 World Cup: Find out how the legends welcome the trophy at Kolkata