— Boria Majumdar
For long this was a demand. For long it was a grouse. Why ATK? Why ahead of Mohun Bagan? When they aren’t even involved with Sanjeev Goenka anymore why have ATK with Mohun Bagan?
Ultimately fandom is the only sentiment that is a constant in sport. Why upset the sentiment? Why not change the name? Why not do it for them? And that’s what Sanjeev Goenka did last night. Dropping ATk is the best thing he could have done on the night of the ISL win. Mohun Bagan Super Giants has Mohun Bagan as the first two words. Words of sentiment. Words that resonate with millions. Well done.
If you want Indian football to develop you need corporate support. You need Reliance and Mrs. Ambani. You need Sanjeev Goenka and RPSG. You need Parth Jindal and JSW. Without corporate money, there is no modern sport. And corporate support with a proper harnessing of fan sentiment can be a combination Indian football will need to go forward.
That’s what you need for many to take up the sport. For other businesses to invest in it. For people to watch. Why will an ISL final be played to empty seats in the lower tier? Yes neutral venue all right but when you can have 70k in Kolkata or 50k in Bengaluru just do it. People were craving to be there. Make use. Tap into the fan base. Give them what they want and they will empower the sport.
I also want East Bengal to become strong. You need the EB fans for the sake of the sport. The management needs to work with the corporate and not just look at Emami as a funder. You need harmony. It is something East Bengal fans deserve. A strong club.
Bengal Goa Kerala Bengaluru- strong club football will translate into strong national football. The change can indeed happen. Again it is a constant just like fandom is.