Kolkata, the birthplace of Indian football, is set to witness a historic moment as three of its oldest and most iconic clubs—Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting—will compete in the Indian Super League (ISL) for the first time together.
Mohammedan Sporting, founded in 1891, will join Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, who have been part of the ISL since 2020-21, after winning the I-League last season. This marks the first time since 2013-14 that all three clubs will be in India’s top-tier football league.
The inclusion of these legendary clubs in the ISL is a significant development for Indian football. “It is a nice family to be part of,” said Mohammedan Sporting’s Russian coach Andrey Chernyshov. “This could encourage more players from Bengal,” added East Bengal’s Souvik Chakraborty.
However, Mohammedan Sporting faces a challenging task in the ISL. With a revamped roster featuring many young and new players, including three of the six foreigners, the team will need time to adjust to the league’s higher level of competition.
“Though we play to win, we would need to get the feel of the ISL first,” said Chernyshov. “We are not in a position to think about the first match yet.”
Punjab FC, another I-League champion, is also aiming for a strong performance in the ISL. With a new coach and a talented striker in Mushaga Bakenga, the team hopes to finish in the top six.
“We lost lots of points in the last minutes,” said Bakenga. “Lesson learnt, we are aiming for the top-six this time.”
The ISL media day provided a platform for coaches and players to discuss various issues, including the importance of Indian players. “Seven Indians need to be on the pitch,” said Odisha FC coach Sergio Lobera. “Without a good group of Indian players, it is impossible to win.”
The inclusion of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting in the ISL is a testament to the rich history and passion for football in Kolkata. It is a moment that will undoubtedly captivate fans and further elevate the profile of Indian football.
