There has been a strong connection between football and the city of Kolkata from a long time, be it a derby match between Mohun Bagan and the East Bengal or be it the premiering of the FIFA match at multiple club’s sports grounds. The city of joy has witnessed various icons from football including the legends: Diego Maradona and Pele to its ground and this time too, it is all decked up to welcome another legendary footballer, Ronaldinho. The Brazilian footballer will step into the city for the first time on 16th October and will meet the Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee and will also gift her a jersey. The three-times Ballon d’Or winner will also mark his presence during the During Puja by inaugurating one of the most famous puja pandals in Sree Bhumi Sporting Club which is known for its idealistic and unique theme of pandal every year. Sports promoter Satadru Dutta who had earlier brought Pele and Maradona will be bringing Ronaldinho as well. Dutta had earlier brought Argentina’s World Cup winning goalkeeper Martinez earlier in the month of July in Kolkata for a seven-day trip.
The former Brazilian international player took to Facebook to confirm his arrival in the city by saying: “Hello Everybody I will be doing my maiden trip to Kolkata this mid-October and will participate in many charitable activities including visiting my R10 Football Academy where I will interact with kids at Merlin Rise. Will also see the many cultural aspects and be part of the Durga Puja Festivities by visiting Shree Bhumi Sporting, Ahirtola Yuvak Brindo, Baruipur xs Green Park and Rishra.” Apart from this, he also confirmed that he would also play a charitable football match with former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. It is not a hidden fact that Kolkata has more supporters for Brazil than any other country. Therefore, he also stated: “I know Kolkata has huge Brazil fans and I am very excited to meet those fans. It would be a huge honour to meet the Honourable Chief Minister of West Bengal and gift her a jersey”
Durga Puja is not just an occasion in Kolkata, but it is feeling of joy, a feeling of celebrating the good over evil and is a feeling full of emotions. The 10-day festival leaves no stone unturned to fascinate the people with its decorative and metaphorical pandals, luminous and colourful lights and the wonderful sculptures of Goddess Durga. There are many famous celebrities including Bollywoods celebrities, sports persons and other visionaries come from various parts of the world to pay a visit and be a part of this festival.
