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Xtra Time Web Desk: At last the long wait was over on Sunday as 2019-20 I league winning Mohun Bagan club was handed over the trophy by I League CEO Sunando Dhar in the presence of Shri Aroop Biswas, Minister of Public Works and Youth Services & Sports of West Bengal at city hotel. The coveted trophy was handed over to players and coaches in presence of club president Swapan Sadhan Bose and the entire executive committee members at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kolkata.

It was pre Durga Puja celebrations for the Mohun Bagan fans, as hundreds of them joined a procession with the I League trophy from Hyatt Regency hotel to the club ground. The passionate fans gave thumbs down to the COVID-19 health protocols, restricting public gatherings as they were involved in wild celebrations for their favourite club.                 

The I-League trophy, which was put in a glass cascade in an open jeep, started from the Hyatt and passed through EM Bypass, Shyambazar, Girish Park, and Dharmatala on its way to Mohun Bagan Athletic Club.

Although the season had been concluded back in March with Mohun Bagan winning the title, the trophy presentation had been delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

I League CEO Sunando Dhar highlighted that the Mariners played the “best brand of football” to conquer the Hero I-League in 2019-20 season.

According to Mr Dhar, “The football Mohun Bagan presented us in this season was exceptional. Since the starting of the season they played with the authority and conviction. On behalf of the All India Football Federation I would like to congratulate entire Mohun Bagan family.”

Mr. Aroop Biswas labeled the century-old club as an institution whose “path-breaking journey is important” while congratulating them for their historic feat.

“I would like to congratulate Mohun Bagan from the bottom of my heart for their stupendous success. I would request the century-old club to strengthen their Academy so more Bengali youngsters get the opportunity to represent at the highest stage,” said Mr Biswas.

He added, “For an institution like Mohun Bagan winning a trophy is not the primary target. For a club that has won 200-odd trophies over time, the path-breaking journey is more important.”

Mohun Bagan club President Swapan Sadhan Bose did not let go the opportunity to pinch arch rivals East Bengal, who wanted the AIFF to complete the I League season before announcing the champions.

According to Mr Bose,"I always dreamt of two things and I am happy that both my dreams got realised. First was to score 5 goals against East Bengal and the other was to see the last I League trophy being handed over to us before we embark our new journey into ISL."

He added, "Had we not won our last match before the lockdown started (still four matches remained) , our rival club (East Bengal) would have not allowed us to touch our hand on the coveted trophy."