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Mohun Bagan, the only national club of India, steps into the 125th year in 2014. Considered as the oldest football club in Asia, which is in its country’s top flight, the Mariners are planning to mark the special event as a memorable one.
Previously, the Indian football fraternity has seen the club celebrating it’s milestone years with pomp and fanfare. Mohun Bagan’s 75 year (1964) celebrations took place through a period of 75 days. Events on various sports including football, hockey, cricket, athletics, tennis etc were organized. The then top club of Hungaria – Tatabania came to play against Mohun Bagan and the match was held in a full-capacity Mohun Bagan ground. To mark its 100th year (1989), Mohun Bagan organized a football tournament in 1990, which included the Diamond Sporting Club from Cameroon featuring the great African legend Roger Milla. The club in it’s centenary year was honored by the Indian Post and Telegraph Department by issuing a first day cover stamp dedicated to Mohun Bagan.
The current club officials are planning in similar lines to make the quasquicentennial anniversary a year to remember. Battered and bruised in search of success for the last few years, the club is in its way to build a strong team. As for the blue print to the 125 celebration, the club has decided to celebrate in the footballing style. According to sources, they are planning to organize a tournament and invite English Division 1 side Sheffield United to play in that tournament. Interestingly, the famous club from England is also celebrating it’s 125th year in 2014. Mohun Bagan also aims to complete the renovation of it’s club tent and inaugurate the new-look club stadium and facilities as a part of the celebration. Fans are eagerly looking forward for these events. However, no announcement has been made as of now.
Apart from Sheffield United, some other renowned clubs of the world are also celebrating their quasquicentennial anniversary. These are:
- Adamstown Rosebud (Australia)
- Brentford FC (England)
- Atletico Rosario Central (Argentina)
