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Historic Venue Change: The Kolkata Derby will be held in Lucknow for the first time, moving away from its traditional Kolkata venue.
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Promotion of Football: The match aims to boost football's popularity in Uttar Pradesh as part of AIFF's broader development strategy.
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Local Leadership: Mohun Bagan will be captained by Uttar Pradesh native Sumit Rathi, adding local appeal.
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Broadcast Information: Fans can watch the match live on DD Sports and the Indian Football YouTube channel at 6:30 PM IST.
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A New Era: This match symbolizes a new chapter in Indian football, spreading the sport's reach across the country.
Image Source - AIFF
The Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal is one of the most awaited events in Indian football. For the first time, this rivalry match will be played in Lucknow, thus re-writing history and making it a landmark event for the sport in the region. The Match is slated for September 2, 2024, at the K.D. Singh Babu Stadium, the clash is building up with fans eagerly waiting to see this heated battle that will be played far from its home of Kolkata.
K.D. Singh Babu Stadium (Image Source - MECREE)
Lucknow Hosts the Derby: What It Means to the Rest?
Hosting the Kolkata Derby in Lucknow is a well-thought plan by the All India Football Federation to spread the fanbase of football in the rest of India. Traditionally, such derbies are held in Kolkata, where both clubs enjoy a huge fan base. However, AIFF has brought it to Lucknow with the motive of exposure to good football in Uttar Pradesh, so that they get to inculcate a strong football culture within their region. This move is expected to bring in newer fans for the sport, particularly in a state predominantly known for its passion for cricket.
Local Flavor and Teams' Preparations
Adding a layer of local flavor to it, Mohun Bagan will be led by Uttar Pradesh lad Sumit Rathi. The leader in Rathi is expected to strike a chord with the local fans as large numbers of them come out to support the teams. Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have been training extensively for the tie, for which the Kolkata Derby is not only a match but prestige and legacy are attached to it. This includes tactical preparations, mental preparations, and even changing of the team strategy as needed to ensure that the players perform at their best.
Image Source - Youtube
Where to Catch the Game?
Fans who cannot make it to the match in Lucknow will have a lot of reasons to watch the game. The game will be broadcast on DD Sports, thus having really good outreach. The match will also be live-streamed on the Indian Football YouTube channel, where fans all over the country, if not the world, can enjoy the Kolkata Derby. Kickoff is at 6:30 PM IST, and for those interested, it would be advisable to tune in a little early to catch the build-up to the match and pre-match analysis.
Impact on Indian Football
The Kolkata Derby this season is more than a match-it heralds a new era for Indian football. An effort to take the derby to a new city shows the zeal of AIFF in developing football as a pan-India sport. A strong message it gives is that the game is not restricted to specific cities or states but is a game for every Indian. The AIFF wants to use these high-profile matches to develop football in newer regions of the country for an inclusive and competitive football environment.
A New Chapter in Indian Football History Unfolds in Lucknow
As the day of the match draws closer, excitement increases among fans and players alike. The Lucknow version of the Kolkata Derby is a different experience in every way it mingles tradition with newness. It might just set a precedent whereby more matches would take its path and encourage other cities to adopt such an important football event, which would eventually lead to change in football within India. A clash of titans-Mohun Bagan against East Bengal, a Lucknow-based derby-means so much more than the game itself: a celebration of Indian football's rich heritage into an evolving future. And the fans, old and new, are getting ready to make it one experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Inputs by Agencies
Image Source: Multiple Agencies
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