Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is often referred to as the football city of India. The city has a long and illustrious history of football, with two of the most popular and successful teams in the country, Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal, based in the city.
Kolkata has a long and proud tradition of football. The city was the first to host a football tournament in India, the Cooch Behar Cup, which was held in 1911. The tournament was won by Mohun Bagan, who went on to become one of the most successful teams in the country. The team has won the National Football League (NFL) four times, the I-League twice, and the Federation Cup three times.
East Bengal, another team based in Kolkata, is the other major team in the city. The team has won the NFL three times, the I-League four times, and the Federation Cup five times. The rivalry between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal is one of the most intense in Indian football, and the matches between the two teams are some of the most watched in the country.
Kolkata is also home to some of the most passionate football fans in India. The city is known for its vibrant atmosphere during football matches, with fans cheering on their teams with great enthusiasm. The city also has a number of football academies, which have produced some of the best players in the country.
Kolkata has also been the venue for some of the biggest international football tournaments in India. The city hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2019. The city also hosted the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2020.
Kolkata is also home to some of the most iconic football stadiums in India. The Salt Lake Stadium, also known as the Yuva Bharati Krirangan, is the largest stadium in India and the second largest in the world. The stadium has a capacity of 85,000 and has hosted some of the biggest matches in Indian football.
Kolkata is also home to some of the most popular football clubs in India. The city is home to the likes of ATK Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, and FC Goa. These clubs have a huge fan base and are some of the most successful teams in the country.
Kolkata is a city that is deeply rooted in football. The city has produced some of the best players in the country, and the two most successful teams in the country are based in the city. The city is also home to some of the most passionate football fans in India, and it has hosted some of the biggest international tournaments in the country. Kolkata is truly the football city of India.