In a significant development concerning the Durand Cup 2024, the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Kalyan Chaubey, has formally appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to bring back the prestigious football tournament matches to Kolkata. The appeal comes in the wake of the recent security concerns due to extensive protests related to a grievous incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata was initially set to host a highly anticipated derby clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, one of the marquee events of the Durand Cup 2024. The fixture, originally scheduled for Sunday, drew immense anticipation from football fans across the country. However, the match was abruptly canceled on Saturday due to escalating security concerns stemming from widespread protests related to the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College.
The medical tragedy, which took place on August 9, has precipitated strikes and protests across the nation, with the medical community vocally demanding justice. On Saturday, the vicinity of the Salt Lake Stadium witnessed significant unrest as football fans staged a protest, which prompted authorities to reassess the security and playing conditions for the ongoing tournament.
Given the ongoing protests and the charged atmosphere, the decision was made to relocate the second quarter-final match of the Durand Cup from Kolkata to Shillong. This decision was influenced by the prevailing instability and the necessity to ensure both security and fair playing conditions for the athletes.
Kalyan Chaubey, in a heartfelt request to CM Mamata Banerjee, emphasized the global outcry from football supporters for the reinstatement of the matches in Kolkata. “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 articulated in his statement released by the AIFF.
In his official statement, Chaubey stressed the importance of undertaking necessary measures to allow the matches to proceed in Kolkata as planned. “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.
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The atmosphere in Kolkata remains tense as protests continue. On Wednesday, former athletes, including prominent figures from the football community, joined the demonstrations to call for justice for the young doctor. Among them, former East Bengal goalkeeper Sumit Mukherjee voiced the solidarity of the sports fraternity, stating, “All the players are here to protest against the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital incident, and we demand justice.”
Social media platforms have been inundated with calls for justice and solidarity, signaling widespread discontent over the tragic incident. Videos and posts capturing the emotionally charged environment in Kolkata have gone viral, adding fuel to the ongoing protests. ANI, a prominent news agency, shared footage of the protests and statements from key figures within the sports community.
The poignancy of the situation has overshadowed the festival of football that the Durand Cup traditionally brings to Kolkata. The city, known for its impassioned support for football, faces a challenging period as it grapples with the dual emotions of mourning a horrific crime and missing out on a major sporting event.
The AIFF remains hopeful that interventions at the state level will address the security concerns adequately. The President’s appeal underscores a broader sentiment of frustration and disappointment among football fans who had eagerly awaited this year’s Durand Cup fixtures at one of the country’s most iconic stadiums.
As the situation evolves, the sports community and football enthusiasts across the nation watch closely, hoping that the necessary steps will be taken to bring the joy of the Durand Cup back to Kolkata, while ensuring justice and relief for the aggrieved voices calling for accountability and change.
In conclusion, the football community in Kolkata, alongside the AIFF, seeks a resolution that balances the fervor for the sport with the necessary measures for justice and public safety. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the Durand Cup matches will indeed return to the football capital of India.
