It’s a football derby dating back over 100 years. The first Mohun Bagan-East Bengal match was an unofficial one, played in 1921. It ended 0-0. East Bengal won the first official fixture, by a 1-0 margin in 1925.
Over the decades, this match became a part of the culture in West Bengal. Almost every Bengali is either a Mohun Bagan or East Bengal fan. The closest of friends and relatives they may be, but on derby day, club loyalties cause sharp divides. The bitterness lingers for a few days before they become friends again.
That craze has diminished of late. The Salt Lake Stadium still witnesses a full house when the side in green and maroon takes on the red and gold. Fans from faraway places carrying giant flags come to the ground making their own travel arrangements. The odd skirmish also takes place. But somehow, the pulse is not the same.
Why interest is dwindling
Dwindling interest in Indian football among urban youth is one reason why the popularity of the Kolkata derby has fallen. This match still strikes a chord, but doesn’t stir the emotions like it used to. Regulars to the Kolkata maidan notice a dip in the number of new fans and teenagers.
It’s also true that both clubs, over a hundred years old, have been part of the Indian Super League (ISL) for only three years, and have taken mere baby steps towards reaching out to fans. Merchandising or any kind of initiative to connect and attract remains an irregular activity. Little effort has been made by these two institutions to stay relevant in an era where entertainment options for the public have multiplied.
The other and more recent reason for the Kolkata derby losing its charm is the one-sided nature of the contest. East Bengal are nowhere near the force they once were, and that has diluted the competitiveness of this match. They have not beaten Mohun Bagan after January 2019 and have lost the last eight encounters against their archrivals.
What makes Mohun Bagan click
Mohun Bagan’s transition from a club to an ISL franchise was smooth because they got into a partnership with the erstwhile ATK and thus got a set-up where a system was already in place. ATK were a well-run unit and three-time champions before entering into an agreement with Mohun Bagan.
The principal ownership of the franchise has remained unchanged from 2014 and there is stability in the manner they function. Results have not been great every year, but there have been few knee-jerk reactions. Antonio Habas, manager of champions ATK in the inaugural season, is back again with Mohun Bagan Super Giants in a new role. Winning the title last season was a vindication of their policy of continuity.
What holds East Bengal back
East Bengal are a study in contrast. Differences of opinion between the investors and club officials surfaced in the first season. The gaps were never mended and the investors left after two years of acrimony. The team suffered because everything including hiring coaches, players and support staff was done at the eleventh hour and in a haphazard manner.
The club has found another investor, a new coach and hired some new players for the current season, which for them really takes off with the Durand Cup face-off against Mohun Bagan on Saturday (August 13).
All that is new will come to nothing for East Bengal fans if the performance doesn’t improve. In three editions of the ISL, they have finished ninth, 11th and ninth among 11 teams. In these three seasons, Mohun Bagan finished second, third and first, to add insult to East Bengal’s injury.
For the derby to reclaim glory, a rejuvenated East Bengal is a must. Despite interest reducing, it generates enthusiasm and thanks to the Internet, thousands living abroad follow this match. Still just ahead of Mohun Bagan on head-to-head record, it’s East Bengal’s turn to play catch-up of a different kind, and keep the flame — the club symbol — alive.