Bengal has always been a strong bastion of soccer fans, a revolving football that graces the entrance of a community Puja is only testimony about the growing buzz around the upcoming FIFA U 17. Durga puja revellers are trying to encash on it every bit.
The Bongs in Kolkata are making best use of their craftsmanship to pay theirhumble ode to soccer, even before the games kickstart on Indian soil.
Celebrating 52 years of its community Puja, the Belgharia Seva and Maitri Sansad Club, has the U-17 World Cup as the theme.
A 20 foot-long, football-shaped canopy adorns the venue. The goddess interestingly rests on astro-turf. The pandal is replete with historic moments of Indian football and its evolution.
Be it Mohun Bagan’s 1911 IFA Shield win over East Yorkshire Regiment to East Bengal’s 2003 ASEAN Championship triumph.
A 42-year-old Durga Puja on Beadon Street also has the U-17 World Cup as its theme. The entry gate to the canopy has been modelled on the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan that is set to host 10 matches, including the October 28 final.
Volunteers dressed in East Bengal and Mohun Bagan colours stand on both sides of the gate greeting visitors.
Top teams like England, Chile and Mexico will showcase their prowess in Kolkata.
Former soccer stars based in the city are also being invited to some of the marquees to celebrate the football fever.
The countdown for the Under-17 World Cup has begun.
The 17th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, under the slogan ‘Football takes over’, will be held in the six cities of New Delhi, Goa, Kochi, Guwahati, Kolkata and Navi Mumbai from 6 to 28 October 2017.
From 1985 to 2005, the FIFA U-17 World Cup featured 16 teams divided into four groups of four teams. Since 2007, the tournament was expanded to 24 teams.
India are the 18th Asian team to take part in the U-17 World Cup.
Three teams are making their debut in this India edition — Niger, New Caledonia as well as hosts India.
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