Kolkata : Floodlights returned at the Kolkata Maidan , thanks to Mohun Bagan club. The floodlights at the club ground was inaugurated today by the State sports minister Aroop Biswas . The century old club did have floodlights, but were not working for last 35 years . The present club officials needed to be patted for getting the floodlights installed at the ground.
Speaking on the occasion, the Sports Minister assured that the other two big clubs will also have its floodlight installed by next year.
“For a common Bengali, the two favorite things are fish and rice and the other is football. While fish and rice still remain the favorite food , popularity of football is dying away. ” further adding “Our target is to achieve a rank of 72 from 172.”
Mohun Bagan assistant secretary Srinjoy Bose did not hide his pride.” We have always shown the path in Bengal football. We were the first to install bucket seats. The other clubs followed us. Now we have installed the floodlights. I hope the other clubs will have it soon”
Arch rivals East Bengal Club too will have its floodlight installed soon. According to club official Debabrata Sarkar , who was accompanied with coach Biswajit Bhattacharya at the function commented,”Sports minister has already announced the installation of floodlights at our ground. We are trying to get the necessary clearance from the Army.”
A galaxy of eminent footballers from yesteryear – PK Banerjee , Chuni Goswami , Samaresh Chowdhury , Gautam Sarkar, Parimal Dey were present on the occasion . Padmashree P.K Banerjee said,”Its very good that Mohun Bagan have installed flood lights. I have asked our Sports Minister to arrange the floodlights at the East Bengal and Mohammedan Ground too.”
Till date only Eden Gardens boasted of having floodlights which was installed during the Hero Cup .According to CAB treasurer Biswarup Dey,”People fill the stadiums to watch ISL,IPL in the evening after their work . If East Bengal and Mohammedan managed to install floodlights they will give a tough competition to ISL.”
IFA secretary Utpal Ganguly assured that Mohun Bagan will play all their Kolkata Football League matches at their own ground. Mohun Bagan secretary Anjan Mitra thanked the West Bengal government for taking the initiative. IFA president Subrata Dutta also praised the support extended by the Government in having the floodlight installed.