-Rohan Chowdhury
The Hero ISL 2022-23 Grand Finale will kick off in a day, as ATK Mohun Bagan will lock horns with Bengaluru FC. After two breath-taking tie-beakers in the semis, both these sides sealed their final berths.
The Green and Maroon brigade, however, the oldest in the country, 9-years old Bengaluru FC, might perhaps be the most successful Indian club in recent times, with two I-League titles, one ISL title, three Federation Cup titles and one Durand Cup title.
This will be The Mariner’s first-ever ISL final since they joined the league in the 2020-21 season, but they have a hefty past with their opponents. Mohun Bagan snatched the I-League title from Bengaluru FC from their den, Shree Kanteerava stadium, from an 86th-minute header by Belo Razzak from a Sony Norde corner. Mohun Bagan lifted the I-League trophy in Bengaluru, and that evening gave rise to a new rivalry in Indian football.
Bengaluru FC got the better of Mohun Bagan the following season when they defeated the side from Kolkata to lift the Federation Cup 2016-17. So, as it stands before the Grand Finale of this edition of the Hero ISL, these two sides will have a considerable past between them to give extra flavour to the contest.
Who will have the last laugh that we will have to see but is the final only about the game, or Goa has something more to offer? Well, Goa is all about celebrations., and there will be plenty.
The PJN Stadium, Fatorda, on March 18th, will have a blockbuster family carnival for the fans ahead of the kick-off. One of the most coveted DJs in the country, DJ Chetas, famous for his pulsating music and groovy beats, will rock the stage before the kick-off. Bollywood mashups, and performances from one of Goa’s leading bands, A26, will add to the musical extravaganza.
Apart from these, there will be FIFA mobile stalls for the fans to participate in fun games and win exciting prizes to make the evening a memory for life. Hamleys will also set up a game zone for the fans, complete with Hamley and Hattie, who will be available to meet and greet any children visiting the carnival area. Children attending the Final will have access to various games and activities, including a bouncy castle, bubble painters, jugglers, and balloon shooting, among others.
Well, the carnival doesn’t end here! There will be a vast range of local and international delicacies for the fans to enjoy.
The Fun Carnival will be open to fans from 4:00 to 6:30 pm, with a live show by A26. DJ Chetas will perform live inside the stadium till 7:15 pm, and the Grand Finale kicks off at 7:30 pm.