Derbies in any sport, anywhere in the world, transcend the boundaries of the game. They strike deep emotional chords, connecting players, fans, and even the families who stand by their teams, feeling every high and low as their own. In these intense contests, loyalty is generational and passion palpable. The hundred-year-old Kolkata derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan is a testament to this legacy, standing as the biggest and oldest football derby in Asia. Here, emotions reach back to the roots of not just the clubs but of the communities they represent.
In recent years, Mohun Bagan has dominated the Kolkata derby, remaining unbeaten against East Bengal in the Indian Super League (ISL). Subhasish Bose, Bagan’s captain, has been a key part of this successful run – a source of immense pride for him. In a candid conversation with RevSportz, Bose spoke passionately about what each derby means to him. “Whenever I step on the pitch in a derby, there’s an inner feeling that this is a must-win,” said the Bagan skipper, capturing the pressure and personal stakes involved. Bose, a Kolkata native, has been connected to the maroon-and-green since birth. “When I started playing, representing the green-and-maroon jersey was my dream,” he said. “I feel so grateful to have made this dream come true and to captain the side.”
The devotion to these historic clubs is like a cultural heritage, passed down through generations. For Bose, a Mariner by birth, the derby pressure extends to his family as well. “If I lose a derby, my father will be more worried and upset about it,” he admitted. “I wouldn’t be able to face my family because they’d all be disappointed that their boy couldn’t win the derby for them.” With a subtle smile, he added, “I’m glad that day hasn’t come yet.”
This drive to win is not just a personal quest for Bose but a representation of what the derby means for everyone involved. The atmosphere of a derby, he explained, is unlike any other game. “People might say it’s just another match in the league, but it isn’t,” he asserted. “You feel the goosebumps, the butterflies in your stomach, as you step onto the field in front of a roaring crowd.”
As Kolkata readies itself for yet another derby this weekend, this time between East Bengal and Mohammedan SC, Bose’s reflections underscore the universal weight and beauty of derby matches. From the packed streets of Kolkata to Manchester, Milan, and Buenos Aires, these games bring a distinct pressure that players carry with pride. As Bose noted, it’s not just about stepping onto the field – it’s about carrying the hopes of those who have cheered for generations, and walking the path laid down by legends.
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