Kolkata’s Football Giants Unite: A Historic Effort to Keep the Durand Cup in the City Amidst Turmoil

Kolkata, often regarded as the Mecca of Indian football, has witnessed many historic moments, both on and off the field. However, the recent developments surrounding the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup have brought about an unprecedented and poignant chapter in the city’s rich football history. In a rare display of unity, the three iconic football clubs of Kolkata—Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, and Mohammedan Sporting Club—have come together to make an impassioned appeal to keep the semifinals and final of the Durand Cup within the city limits. This plea is not just about football; it is deeply intertwined with the current socio-political climate of the city, marked by the protests surrounding a tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College.

The Incident That Shook Kolkata

The backdrop to this significant development is the horrific crime that took place at RG Kar Medical College, where a postgraduate trainee doctor was allegedly raped and murdered. The incident sent shockwaves through Kolkata, sparking widespread protests across the city. These protests, which began as a demand for justice, quickly grew in scale and intensity, reflecting the city’s outrage and grief over the crime.

As the protests escalated, they began to intersect with the city’s most beloved sport—football. On August 18, 2024, the much-anticipated Kolkata Derby, the final Group A league match of the Durand Cup between arch-rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, was abandoned due to security concerns. Thousands of football fans, many of whom were also participating in the protests, had gathered outside the Salt Lake Stadium. The situation became volatile as emotions ran high, leading to a police ‘lathicharge’ to disperse the crowds. The abandonment of the derby not only disrupted the tournament but also raised serious questions about the future of the remaining matches scheduled in Kolkata.

A Historic Unity in Kolkata Maidan

In the wake of these events, the three century-old football clubs—Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting—decided to set aside their fierce on-field rivalry and come together for a common cause. On August 20, 2024, the secretaries of the three clubs—Rupak Saha of East Bengal, Debasish Dutta of Mohun Bagan, and Ishtiaq Ahmed of Mohammedan Sporting—held a joint press conference. The significance of this event cannot be overstated; it marked the first time in history that these three clubs, each with its own storied legacy, united in such a manner.

The primary agenda of the press conference was to urge the Durand Cup organizers not to relocate the semifinals and final from Kolkata. The clubs’ appeal was rooted in their belief that these matches, which hold immense historical and emotional value for the city’s football fans, should remain in Kolkata. They emphasized that Kolkata, with its passionate football culture, deserved to host the concluding stages of the prestigious tournament, which is one of the oldest football competitions in the world.

The Clubs’ Joint Statement

During the press conference, East Bengal club secretary Rupak Saha read out a joint statement that was co-signed by his counterparts from Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting. The statement was a heartfelt plea to the authorities to reconsider any plans to shift the matches to other cities, such as Jamshedpur or Shillong. Saha highlighted that the unity among the three clubs on this issue was unprecedented and reflected the deep sense of responsibility they felt towards the city’s football-loving public.

“It is a historic day today for Kolkata Maidan, that the Big Three clubs have come together for the first time and are making an appeal against shifting the matches that were originally scheduled to be held in the city,” Saha stated. His words resonated with the emotions of countless fans who view football as more than just a sport—it is a way of life, a part of the city’s very identity.

The Impact on the Fans

The decision to abandon the Kolkata Derby had already disappointed thousands of fans who had eagerly anticipated the clash between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, a rivalry that dates back over a century. The possibility of the semifinals and final being moved out of Kolkata only added to the fans’ sense of loss. For them, these matches are not merely sporting events; they are cultural spectacles that bring together people from all walks of life in a city that is otherwise often divided along lines of politics, religion, and social status.

The joint appeal by the Big Three clubs also addressed the concerns of the fans. Debasish Dutta, the Mohun Bagan secretary, urged the supporters to cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure that the remaining matches could be held in a peaceful and secure environment. He acknowledged the fans’ frustrations but emphasized the importance of maintaining order to prevent further disruptions.

“We will request all our fans to fully cooperate with the administration so that the match is conducted peacefully. As responsible football clubs of India, we also request CBI and all other investigative agencies that our sister (RG Kar victim) gets justice soon and culprits get severe punishment,” Dutta said.

A Call for Justice and Peace

The joint statement from the clubs was not just about football; it was also a call for justice. The club officials expressed their solidarity with the ongoing protests demanding justice for the RG Kar victim. They made it clear that their appeal to keep the Durand Cup matches in Kolkata was not influenced by any political motives but was driven by a genuine concern for the city’s football culture and the pursuit of justice for the victim.

“We are together in this fight without any political influence,” Debasish Dutta asserted. His words reflected a broader sentiment shared by many in the city—that the quest for justice should not be tainted by political agendas and that the unity of the football clubs in this cause was a powerful symbol of Kolkata’s collective conscience.

The Road Ahead

The decision on whether the Durand Cup semifinals and final will remain in Kolkata ultimately lies with the tournament organizers and the local authorities. However, the unified stance taken by the Big Three clubs has undoubtedly added significant pressure on the decision-makers to consider the emotional and cultural ramifications of moving the matches out of the city.

For Kolkata, this moment of unity among its football giants is a testament to the power of sport to bring people together in times of crisis. It is a reminder that, even in the face of tragedy and turmoil, the spirit of the game—and the community it fosters—can offer a beacon of hope and solidarity.

As the city awaits the final decision, the message from its football clubs is clear: Kolkata is not just a city; it is the heart of Indian football. And this heart beats strongest when its people stand united, both on the field and off it. The hope now is that this unity will be recognized and honored, and that the Durand Cup will find its rightful conclusion in the city that has given so much to the beautiful game.