Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC have faced each other 340 times across 22 cities in India since their legendary rivalry began in Kolkata in 1925.
However, they have never met in Lucknow. Despite the city’s rich sporting heritage, football fans in Uttar Pradesh’s capital have yet to witness the “Derby of the East.”
That will change on Monday, September 2, 2024, when the two Kolkata giants face off at the KD Singh Babu Stadium. The match, which kicks off at 6:30 pm, will be broadcast live on DD Sports and streamed on the Indian Football YouTube channel.
This promotional match is organized by the All India Football Federation in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Uttar Pradesh Football Sangh, and Krida Bharti, aiming to promote and develop football throughout the state.
In conjunction with this event, the AIFF has launched a plan to distribute 96,455 footballs across 21,551 schools in 75 districts through Navodaya Vidyalaya, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
East Bengal has already arrived in the city and is scheduled for a late-day training session. Mohun Bagan, arriving in the evening, will also begin their training shortly after.
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Mohun Bagan coach Deggie Cardoza emphasized that despite being a promotional match, it will be taken seriously.
“A Derby always excites fans, no matter where it’s played,” Cardoza remarked. “We are focused on preparing well, playing seriously, and returning home as winners.”
Cardoza praised AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey for organizing the match, believing it will inspire more young players in Uttar Pradesh to take up football, contributing to the future success of Indian football.
East Bengal coach Bino George shares the same competitive spirit and is determined to give his all in the match.
“East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are traditional rivals with large fan bases, and emotions run high when they meet,” George said. “This Derby will be as intense as ever, and fans are already messaging us about the match. It will be a serious contest.”
George also praised the AIFF’s decision to bring the promotional match to Lucknow, seeing it as a significant boost for football in Uttar Pradesh.
Also Read: What went wrong for Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup Final?