Bhubaneswar: Odisha is poised to etch its name in the annals of football history once more as it prepares to host the historic Kolkata Derby between football giants Mohun Bagan Supergiant and East Bengal FC. The much-anticipated clash is set to unfold at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday, January 19, 2024, marking a rare occurrence of this iconic rivalry outside Kolkata.
This momentous match holds added significance as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the semi-finals during their last Group A encounter in the ongoing Kalinga Super Cup 2024.
Odisha’s football journey has been illustrious, having successfully hosted prestigious tournaments such as the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023, and the India vs. Qatar FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC qualifiers match. The state’s commitment to nurturing football talent at the grassroots level is evident with the establishment of the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy, inaugurated by the legendary Arsene Wenger.
Bolstering its football infrastructure, Odisha showcases its capability to concurrently host 16 football teams for the Kalinga Super Cup 2024. Coaches from both Mohun Bagan Supergiant and East Bengal commended the state’s sports infrastructure.
Assistant Coach of Mohun Bagan, Clifford Miranda, expressed his admiration for Odisha, stating, “For me, Odisha is like home. I have spent a lot of time here recently. The people are very warm, and I must laud the government of Odisha for their approach towards developing football.”
East Bengal’s Head Coach, Carles Cuadrat, praised Odisha’s exceptional football infrastructure. “The pitches are great for training, and as always, the accommodation is also great. I must congratulate the government of Odisha for their efforts in football,” he added.
The significance of this historic rivalry being played outside Kolkata is not lost on the coaches. Cuadrat noted, “It is great for Indian football that the derby is happening in Bhubaneswar. We are looking forward to it and are confident that we will have good support from the crowd as well.”
As football enthusiasts eagerly await this monumental clash, Bhubaneswar stands ready to create another indelible chapter in the story of Indian football. The Kalinga Stadium will witness the thunderous roars of fans as Odisha, the football host extraordinaire, adds another illustrious event to its impressive sporting repertoire.