Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, MDSC honoured with Banga Bibhushan award

All three Kolkata Giants have received the honour for their contribution to the field of sports.

The West Bengal government presented its annual Banga Bhushan, Banga Bibhushan and Mahanayak Samman awards on Monday. They represent some of the most prestigious awards and recognition from the state government.

The three prominent clubs of Kolkata football were all celebrated at the awards ceremony. Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting were awarded the Banga Bibhushan award.

This represents a historic move, with sports clubs being recognized with these awards for the first time. The reason is to thank the sporting entities for their contribution for the development of sports in the state.

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally presented the awards to representatives of the Kolkata giants. She is known to be a strong supporter of the football scene in West Bengal.

Banerjee was responsible for helping rope in the Shree Cement investors for East Bengal last season. She also played a part in their association with the Emami Group for the upcoming campaign. Moreover, she has also acted as an ambassador for Mohammedan Sporting. She has also encouraged the club to be introduced to the Indian Super League (ISL).

https://twitter.com/KhelNow/status/1551591752259497985

The three Kolkata giants were in a star-studded company in their Banga Bibhushan awardee list. Prominent Bengali singers Kumar Sanu and Abhijeet Bhattacharya were also awarded the prestigious prize. Radhe Shyam Goenka, the co-founder of Emami – who will invest in East Bengal – was also celebrated with the award.

While they are enjoying prestigious recognition off the pitch, the three Kolkata clubs are gearing up for a tough season ahead. All three of Mohammedan Sporting, East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan will take part in the Durand Cup next month. The Mariners and the Red & Gold Brigaders will face each other in the inaugural match to kick things off.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

The Durand Cup will serve as a pre-season tournament for all three teams. East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan will then concentrate on the Indian Super League (ISL), likely to start in October. The Mariners will aim to challenge for both the league title and playoffs trophy after constructing a really strong team for Juan Ferrando.

East Bengal are still undergoing changes and their team is slowly being built. But with Emami determined to put out a strong squad, the Red & Gold Brigaders are likely to put up a bigger fight in the ISL.

Mohammedan Sporting will fight for the I-League title after barely missing out on it last season. They’re making some formidable acquisitions as well, especially in roping in quality foreign talents. With high expectations on them, all three Kolkata sides will hope to enjoy a memorable campaign and keep their state’s reputation in tact.

For more football updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.