Kolkata: The ‘City of Joy’ accorded Friday a unique welcome to the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy with traditional rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal sharing the same dais.
The city which will host the final of the event saw former greats like PK Banerjee, Shyam Thapa, Subrata Bhattacharya, Gautam Sarkar, Bidesh Bose, Prasun Banerjee and Shanti Mullick attend the trophy unveiling at the Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra.
As per its three-day sojourn here, the trophy will be on display Saturday at the Mission XI Million festival at South City International School and then move to Eco Park, the next day.
Meanwhile the 80-year-old legendary Indian footballer and coach PK Banerjee seemed visibly excited about the build-up. “Wish we had the same kind of opportunity in our days,” he said after West Bengal sports minister Aroop Biswas unveiled the trophy. “We could not play in the World Cup but now I cannot wait to watch the matches.”
A recipient of the FIFA Centennial Order of Merit in 2004 (greatest Indian footballer of the 20th century), PK urged the AIFF to take forward the movement. “I hope this is the start,” he said.
Former India captain Shanti Mullick, the first Arjuna winner in women’s football, termed this an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I could not touch the trophy but it’s a different feeling, watching it from so close.” Mullick said. “The AIFF must ensure bring in young boys and girls to watch the matches. Kids must watch the tourney.”
Shanti further stressed on the importance of utilising the atmosphere post World Cup. “The stadium is totally transformed but we must ensure that termites don’t eat into it after the event is over,” she stated.
press trust of india