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The last ‘Kolkata Derby’ of the I-League season is around the corner, the preparations of both the teams are in full swing.
While East Bengal prefers to practice behind closed doors, their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan kept it the traditional way.
But that doesn’t make any difference, because you cannot predict what is going to happen in a derby. Even if you surprise the other team with a new armoury, it may tend to backfire!
We are well aware of how the teams are shaping for the clash and the stars which are going to make it more special. But there are also a few things which will make this ‘Kolkata Derby’ special even though it is not related to the game.
Let us have a look at the 3 new things you need to know about this ‘Kolkata Derby’:
#3 Free tickets for the rival club members
The green and maroon brigade will be distributing free tickets to East Bengal club members, which is really a warm gesture by the management.
Bagan being the hosts in Sunday’s marquee clash, has the authority for the distribution of the tickets. The members of the home club are issued free tickets against their card, but this time the arch-rivals will also be provided with a similar facility.
This a practice which has been active only in the recent years, but is a very welcoming one. We are quite aware of the rivalry between these two clubs, but there is always mutual respect among them which is beyond the game.
Nevertheless, no one will give away an inch when the referee blows the whistle on Sunday evening!
#2 100 orphans will be watching the game from the VIP enclosure
In a very kind initiative, Mohun Bagan will be giving an opportunity to 100 orphans to witness the ‘Kolkata Derby’ from the stands.
The announcement was made by the club’s top official Debashis Dutta just after the pre-match press conference at the club lawns on Friday afternoon.
As per the press release, the arrangements for the children will be made in the VIP enclosure. They will be provided transportation in AC buses and food packets will be distributed among them. This is the first time that such an initiative has been taken.
The children will be coming from the following Orphanage Homes:
Calcutta Social Project
Dakshin Kalikata Sevasram
Jungle Crows
#1 Guest of Honour
There have many notable guests invited to the ‘Kolkata Derby’ before, this time also we are going to see a few.
As per the reports, Shri Aroop Biswas, Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Services, Public Works Department (PWD) will be present at the chief guest during Sunday’s match.
It was also informed that Mr. Bruce Bucknell, Deputy High Commission of UK in Kolkata, will be the Guest of Honour during the ‘Kolkata Derby’.
Although these will make the occasion special, the eyes will be glued to the football pitch for the 90 minutes of enthralling action-packed clash!
