A historic football clash is set to take place in Lucknow on Monday as Mohun Bagan Super Giant squares off against arch-rivals East Bengal in a promotional derby. Adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match is the captaincy of Mohun Bagan: Sumit Rathi, a 23-year-old hailing from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. Rathi, a member of the Mohun Bagan squad that won the Indian Super League Winners Shield last season, was chosen as captain as a “special honour.” Being the only Uttar Pradesh player on the team, Rathi’s leadership adds a local flavor to the encounter.
The match is part of the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) initiative to develop football across Uttar Pradesh. In partnership with the state government, UP Football Sangh, and Krida Bharti, the AIFF is distributing 96,455 footballs to 21,551 schools in 75 districts through Navodaya Vidyalaya, with the support of the Ministry of Education. This initiative aims to inspire young players and nurture the future of football in the region.
Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have sent their developmental squads, currently competing in the Calcutta Football League, to participate in the Lucknow derby. Despite being a promotional match, both coaches, Deggie Cardozo of Mohun Bagan and Bino George of East Bengal, have emphasized the seriousness of the contest. Cardozo stated, “A derby always excites the fans, whenever and wherever it is played,” while George added, “East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are traditional rivals with huge fan bases. Whenever the two teams meet, the fans get emotional. The emotion is generated in footballers too.”
The rivalry between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal stretches back to 1925 in Kolkata, with 340 clashes across 22 cities. However, this will be the first time the two teams face each other in Lucknow. East Bengal has never played in the Uttar Pradesh capital in its 104-year history, while Mohun Bagan, established in 1889, will be playing in the city for only the second time, having last played there in 1955.
This match is more than just a friendly; it represents a significant step in the AIFF’s efforts to promote football across India and potentially unearth future talent from Uttar Pradesh. The fierce rivalry and the historic nature of the encounter make it a must-watch for fans of the sport.
