XtraTime Web Desk: The principal owner and chairman of ATK Mohun Bagan Private Limited looks a satisfied man after the first virtual board meeting on Friday. There were a lot of apprehensions among the millions of Mohun Bagan fans as to what will be the name, colour and logo of the new club. Well the Mohun Bagan fans will be happy to know that the new owners have not mingled with the legacy of 131 year old club. In an impromptu interview with Boria Majumder, Mr Sanjeev Goenka shares his thoughts about the new journey.
What are your first thoughts on keeping the colour and logo of the new club the same as Mohun Bagan?
To my mind it is a recognition of the emotion, passion and legacy of Mohun Bagan. We have gone with the green and maroon jersey and the existing logo. The name as you all know will be ATK Mohun Bagan. When I grew up green and maroon was very much part of my being. Few months back I happen to go to the Salt Lake stadium to watch the derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. That day it was very clear in my mind that the passion that the fans shared for green and maroon is the same that I share. That was the day at least in my mind the decision was made.
Was there ever a thought or debate about the colour in your mind?
To my mind no. There was never a doubt in my mind.
You also want ISL games at Mohun Bagan ground. Can you elaborate on the subject?
I would like to upgrade the facilities at Mohun Bagan ground. It’s part of the city’s history. As we grown up each one of us have witnessed it, it’s iconic. But it needs up gradation and modernization. It needs to reconstruct in a manner that’s different. If I can I would definitely like to upgrade the facilities such that to begin with we can have ISL games there. Over a period of time may be AFC games there and really build it into a world class facility.
The ATK fans are more cosmopolitan, more restrain in their behavior compared to the Mohun Bagan fans who are very passionate. Your thoughts?
That’s part of the legacy. That’s part of the passion. That’s part of the sentiment of Mohun Bagan club. And there is no getting away from that.
Mohun Bagan fans are spread all parts of the world, not only in India. Everyone is delighted with what you have done with the team colours.
Green and maroon are my colours. To each fan all I can say is you are important, your emotions are important and above all your blessings are important. I am sensitive to each one of this and I will try my best to live up to your expectation.
Is there any different away jerseys or there will be different colour for the away jerseys?
The away jersey’s will be white and red with green and maroon stripes in it. That’s not yet been unveiled, neither it is finalized. We had earlier thought it will be a ATK jersey with the new logo. But today Srinjoy and Debasish made a very good suggestion in the Board meeting that why don’t we introduce green and maroon in the away jersey as well. So we will do that.
So it means at every point green and maroon gets represented
Absolutely
What will be your message for both sets of fans – ATK and Mohun Bagan?
To the ATK fans thank you so much for your overwhelming support over the last six years. And thanks to your support that we have been able to win three out of the six titles. To Mohun Bagan fans and ATK Mohun Bagan fans believe in us. We want to win, we want to excel and we will. We will make you proud of the club, as proud as you have ever been.
Do you think ATK and Mohun Bagan will make a significant in ISL?
Well I think ATK and Mohun Bagan, both are very strong names in football. When you have a club of 130 years history, it certainly brings a lot to the table. I just saw a tweet from Parth Jindal of Bengaluru FC , saying they are looking forward to playing ATK Mohun Bagan. It means we have done something right somewhere.