The Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata was originally slated to host a highly anticipated derby match between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC on Sunday as part of the ongoing Durand Cup 2024. However, the match was abruptly canceled due to heightened security concerns stemming from protests related to an alleged rape and murder case involving a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The decision to relocate the second quarter-final match of the Durand Cup from Kolkata to Shillong was taken as a precautionary measure given the current unsettled conditions.
On Wednesday, the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Kalyan Chaubey, formally appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to reinstate the Durand Cup matches in Kolkata. Chaubey emphasized that he has been inundated with appeals from football fans, not just from India but globally, pressing for the return of the matches to Kolkata. He elaborated that the enthusiasm and passion for football in Kolkata are unparalleled and that measures should be expedited to ensure the city’s pivotal role in hosting the Durand Cup matches.
“I have received numerous appeals from not just the supporters of participating teams but also football fans across the world requesting the reinstatement of the Durand Cup matches in Kolkata,” Chaubey stated in a formal communication from the AIFF.
This year’s Durand Cup had promised much to football fans in Kolkata, particularly with the slated Mohun Bagan vs. East Bengal clash. The historical rivalry between these two iconic football clubs has always drawn significant crowds and palpable excitement.
However, the tense situation in Kolkata due to the public outcry over the alleged incident at RG Kar Medical College led authorities to prioritize safety, opting to shift the event. Former athletes, students, and various members of the public have been consistently demonstrating, demanding justice for the victim.
On Wednesday, a group of former sportspersons gathered to protest in Kolkata. Among them was former East Bengal goalkeeper Sumit Mukherjee, who voiced the collective anguish and resolve of the sports community.
. “All the players are here to protest against the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital incident, and we demand justice,” Mukherjee stated in a comment to ANI.
The tragic incident that occurred on August 9 involved a postgraduate trainee doctor who was allegedly raped and subsequently murdered while on duty at the medical college. This has led to extensive strikes and protests within the medical community and beyond, mobilizing citizens on a large scale.
Protests have exponentially grown, not just in response to this individual case, but also reflecting broader concerns about safety and justice. Medical professionals were quick to strike, and the ripples have been felt across various sectors, including the sporting world. The disruption caused by these protests has had a tangible impact on the planning and execution of public events, the Durand Cup being a striking example.
In his appeal, Chaubey urged CM Mamata Banerjee to take immediate and effective measures to stabilize the situation and allow the Durand Cup to proceed as initially planned in Kolkata. “In my capacity as the President of the AIFF, I earnestly urge your office to take all necessary steps and measures to ensure that the Durand Cup matches can be held in Kolkata as scheduled,” he added.
The AIFF’s decision to address the state leadership underscores the significance of the Durand Cup, not just as a football tournament, but as a cultural event that is integral to Kolkata’s sporting identity. Ensuring that the matches are held in Kolkata is seen as a step toward normalcy and healing, particularly given the global attention and local fervor surrounding the Cup.
While the relocated quarter-final match in Shillong will proceed, fans and stakeholders alike eagerly await a resolution that will hopefully bring the remainder of the tournament back to its intended venue. The AIFF remains optimistic that, with the requisite security enhancements and administrative interventions, Kolkata can reclaim its role as the festival of football and a beacon of resilience and passion in Indian sports.
As the situation continues to develop, all eyes will remain on the actions taken by the West Bengal administration to balance public safety with the cultural and sporting lifeblood of the city. The resolution of this impasse will not only impact this year’s Durand Cup but will also set a precedent for the management of future events in the city and beyond.
