Debasis Sen, Kolkata
In an age increasingly dominated by data analytics and rankings, football often risks losing its emotional core. But in Kolkata, there is still raw passion for the beautiful game—especially in the lead up to Sunday’s highly-anticipated derby between eternal rivals, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. The build-up to the Durand Cup quarter-final clash has reached a fever pitch, with demand for tickets at an all-time high.
Only 26,037 tickets have been released for general sale today, available from both clubs, starting at 11 am on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hundreds of fans of both sides began lining up outside the box-office overnight, desperate to secure a seat for the clash. Among them, two devoted Mohun Bagan supporters journeyed all the way from Bongaon on Independence Day, and are spending the night at the Maidan just for a chance to witness Sunday’s derby. That’s passion at its purest.
Who says there’s no passion for football in the country? Despite India slipping to 133rd in the latest FIFA rankings, the energy among fans of the legacy clubs remains unmatched. For those 90 minutes, rankings don’t matter — the entire city comes to a standstill, united by the beautiful game.
The Kolkata Derby is far more than just a football match. It’s a cultural saga, a century-old rivalry where history, emotions, and identity collide. Strip away the glossy graphics, the points table, even the foreign players—and the passion still pulses through every street, stall, and stadium seat in Bengal. This isn’t just sport. It’s folklore.
First played in 1921, the derby goes beyond footballing tactics or league standings. It’s the enduring divide between the Ghotis (Mohun Bagan supporters, traditionally from western Bengal) and the Bangals (East Bengal fans, many with roots in what is now Bangladesh). It’s a socio-cultural legacy, deeply personal and proudly generational.
Each derby is a new chapter. A new hero is born. A new heartbreak etched. And yet, the core remains unchanged. In Kolkata, football is not consumed—it’s lived.
Talking about Sunday’s derby, both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan have enjoyed a perfect run in the group stage, winning all their matches. In their most recent encounter, the Red-and-Golds came out on top in a thrilling 3-2 victory in the Kolkata Football League last month. While Mohun Bagan holds a record 17 Durand Cup titles, East Bengal are right behind with 16. Bragging rights and a place in the semi-final are on the line.
So, while the world may chase numbers, football-loving Bengalis cling to emotions. And on derby day, it proves that football’s truest magic lies not in stats, but in stories. The jerseys may change. The players come and go. But the passion? It never fades.
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