'Football is in the blood of Bengalis': Indranil Khan highlights football craze in Kolkata ahead of India's games against Brazil, Uruguay
Kolkata is gearing up for the big clashes.
With two major men’s and women’s international football fixtures set to take place at the Salt Lake Stadium in October for the Indian Men’s and Women’s sides, excitement is building across Kolkata and West Bengal, with fans from different parts of the country also expected to travel to the city for the matches.
Speaking at a press conference at the VIP Lounge of the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday, September 29, Hon’ble MOS (IC), Youth Services and Sports Department, Government of West Bengal, Dr Indranil Khan, highlighted the deep-rooted football culture of Bengal and the growing anticipation surrounding the upcoming fixtures.
Kolkata is set to host India’s four international friendlies
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“Football is in the blood of Bengalis. And the craze around football is visible right now across various corners of the city and all parts of West Bengal.”
“Beyond West Bengal, we are seeing people coming in. I was looking at tweets from people coming from Chennai, Delhi, Bombay, and we can see them at the airport as well. They are coming to Kolkata for the 3rd, and the India vs Uruguay match on the 6th,” Dr Khan said
He also pointed to the extensive visibility of the matches across the city and the state, with banners and hoardings creating a football atmosphere ahead of the fixtures.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey also spoke about the arrangements for supporters attending the matches. Food and water from outside will not be permitted inside the stadium, while food stalls will be available within the venue for spectators.
The upcoming fixtures are expected to bring together fans from Kolkata as well as different parts of India, further highlighting the city’s long-standing connection with football.
The Indian men’s team will face Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6, while the India women’s team will take on Russia in two international friendlies at the same venue on October 8 and 11.
The four matches are expected to bring football fans to Kolkata from different parts of the country, adding to the atmosphere around the Salt Lake Stadium.
A State Guest Dinner will be there for the Brazil, Uruguay, and Russia
Dr Khan also informed that the West Bengal Government will host a State Guest Dinner for the Brazil, Uruguay, Russian women’s team and India men’s and women’s teams during their visit.
With the Salt Lake Stadium preparing to host international football once again, the state government and the All India Football Federation are working towards ensuring a memorable experience for players, supporters and visitors.
The matches are set to provide Kolkata with another opportunity to showcase its passion for the sport and its long-standing football culture on an international stage.
This historic FIFA Men’s International friendly series, the principal partner-style bazaar, is powered by Amul. And we shall build upon our football association we had with the top two teams in the world-Spain and Argentina during the recent FIFA World Cup 2026!! Bharat Taxi will also tap into this fan craze as the official mobility partner. The two brands believe in the growth of football in India.
When will India play Brazil in Kolkata?
India will face Brazil on October 3 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Are fans from outside West Bengal expected to attend the matches?
Yes. West Bengal Sports Minister Dr Indranil Khan said fans from cities including Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai are expected to travel to Kolkata for the fixtures.
Can spectators carry food and water inside the stadium?
According to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, food and water from outside will not be permitted inside the stadium. Food stalls will be available within the venue.
Will the visiting teams receive a state-hosted dinner?
Yes. Dr Indranil Khan said the West Bengal Government will host a State Guest Dinner for the visiting Brazil, Uruguay and Russia teams, as well as the India men’s and women’s teams.
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