Indian couple ready to go for their 9th World Cup in Brazil

Chaitali Chatterjee, Pannalal Chatterjee in 2010 World Cup in South Africa (Picture Courtesy: Open The Magazine)

Pannalal (81) and Chaitali Chatterjee (70) of Khiderpore, Kolkata, will make their 9th FIFA World Cup trip to Brazil this summer.

The Bengali couple went to watch the football World Cup in 1982, Spain for the first time and since then they have not missed going to a single football World Cup. Now in their twilight years, they are as eager as ever to make it to Brazil. Even if they have to sacrifice fish for months or maybe even going to bed on a half-empty stomach.

Being a retired clerk of Kolkata Port Trust, Pannalal gets a monthly pension of Rs 7,500. With their limited financial means it was not easy for the couple to save money in four years for the trip.

Speaking to TOI, they said: “Come what may, we have to be there even if it means having to go without fish for months and spending the least on our food. We have to save for each World Cup.”

Pannalal, having played at the club level had immense passion for the game. His spouse too grew up in a family of Mohun Bagan supporters. So when the two married, football was a binding force.

Chaitali having osteoarthritis, manages the house mostly on her own to save the money that’d be spent on domestic helps. She also sells saris in her spare time. Pannalal, who renders voluntary service to Sikkim Football Association, also saves on his own.

He further said: “I am often engaged to organize football tournaments in Sikkim. Though I am allotted airfare to travel between Kolkata and Bagdogra, I travel by train in sleeper class to save the rest.”

Observing the couple’s passion for football, organizations like Club Seven help them with subsidized air tickets to be paid in installments. Leather Sports Management had decided to sponsor their match ticket for the quarter finals.

After appealing to FIFA, the organization also agreed to allot them free accommodation in Brazil. The trip would cost them about Rs 5 lakh and they are hopeful of being able to raise the amount before leaving for the tour.

“On our previous tours, we’d share a plate of food to cut down on expenses. This time, if we cannot arrange enough funds, we will carry muri, chire and other foodstuff. But come what may, we have to be there at the Mecca of football. Who knows if we’ll even live till the next World Cup,” said Pannalal.

The couple revealed that whenever they feels helpless about funds, they talk to each other about witnessing the ‘hand of God’ goal by Maradona in 1986 and meeting Pele after the match. Or, they run their eyes over treasures like pictures clicked with Pele and Maradona.

On asked about their loyalty, Pannalal said: “Like any other couple, we also have our share of arguments. But when it comes to football, our opinions always match. This time, both of us will be cheering for Brazil.