KOLKATA: Pointing toward the entrance gate of the beautifully decorated East Bengal club tent, a middle-aged man in a red shirt nostalgically told his teenage son how it used to be made of wood and how a similar crowd had gathered at the same place 22 years ago. Much has changed since that National Football League title in 2001—the city renamed from Calcutta to Kolkata, and the political landscape shifting twice in the state. Yet, something remains unchanged: the story of love for the team, shared joy and sorrow, passed from father to son. This legacy continues through all its ups and downs.
Thousands of red-and-gold faithful joined players like Anwar Ali, Prabhsukhan Gill, and Anton Sojberg at the club tent on Friday, just hours after winning their maiden Indian Super League (ISL) title, ending a 22-year national league drought. The son, not even born in 2001, simply said, “Yes, it’s beautiful.”
Coach Bruzon Praises Club Legacy
“This club represents a story of father to son, son to grandson. This is a legacy club. Thousands and thousands of people are breathing, sweating and living the East Bengal life. How I love this club,” said head coach Oscar Bruzon, the architect behind the team’s ‘Mission ISL’. By winning the ISL, East Bengal became the first Indian team to compete in Asian football in both men’s and women’s categories in a single season.
Road to AFC Challenge League
The new ISL champions will feature in the playoffs for the AFC Challenge League. It was at the same stage 19 months ago that Bruzon led the side to Bhutan and successfully crossed the playoff hurdle in the third tier of Asian club competition. “Our winning mentality came from that tournament,” Bruzon told TOI.
