Kolkata: East Bengal celebrated their 98th Foundation Day today at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata. Indian Hockey legend Dhanraj Pillai received the Bharat Gourav Award for his contribution to the Indian sports.
A delighted Dhanraj told www.xtratime.in , “I have heard about only three teams in Indian football since my childhood – East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting. But I’m extremely happy that they have chosen this award for me. My family too is very much grateful for that.” He added, “I am feeling proud to be a part of the hockey fraternity to receive the award.” Dhanraj also commented about the controversial decision of awarding Sachin Tendulkar as the Bharat Ratna ahead of Hockey legend Dhyan Chand. He said, “I have no problem as Sachin got the award. But Dhyan Chand too should get the award.”
Indian football greats Syed Nayeemuddin and Subhash Bhowmick too were honoured by the Lifetime Achievement Awards. Nayemuddin was literally happy to get the honour, as he said, “I’m delighted that East Bengal has chosen me for this award. This is my mother club. Who won’t be happy if someone gets an award from the mother?”.
On the flip side, Subhash Bhowmick got emotional to get the award, as he said, “I didn’t get the Arjuna Award or any Padmashree, but I have no regrets. The only thing which used to prick me was that I never got any recognition from East Bengal. The circle has been completed today. Thank you East Bengal.”
Along with the above awards, the club awarded Gurwinder Singh with the Footballer of The Year award with Rs.50 thousand and a golden boot. B Amit got the Cricketer of The Year Award. The East Bengal Cricket team too got felicitated for their amazing show this season.