Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], August 23 (ANI): All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey congratulated East Bengal after the club secured a record-equalling 17th Durand Cup title, defeating arch-rivals Mohun Bagan in the final on Sunday.
Speaking to ANI after the match, Chaubey praised the success of the tournament and highlighted the massive turnout, with around 60,000 fans attending the final.
"See, I would say this has been a very successful tournament. And the way around 60,000 people came today to watch the match, an exciting match was seen, a 4-1 result happened, and I understand that after 22 years, East Bengal won the Durand Cup. And recently, they also won the ISL this year. I understand that East Bengal's football team is playing in a very balanced way, and for their players and supporters, I have best wishes and encouragement," Chaubey told ANI.
East Bengal ended a 22-year wait for the Durand Cup title with a dominant win over Mohun Bagan, adding another major trophy to their recent success after their Indian Super League (ISL) triumph earlier this year. East Bengal equalled Mohun Bagan's 17th Durand Cup title.
Chaubey also spoke about the upcoming India-Brazil football match, calling it a historic occasion for Indian football.
"See, I would say that a country like Brazil playing in India is naturally a history in itself. I would wish that through this match, many people will join football, and our Indian team's strength is also recognised here, and this match should be watched and enjoyed by everyone, and football should benefit; this will be our effort," he added.
West Bengal Minister Tapas Roy also praised the Durand Cup final between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, describing it as an exciting derby match witnessed by football fans.
Speaking to ANI after East Bengal's 4-1 victory over Mohun Bagan in the final, Roy said the match was enjoyed by everyone and congratulated the winning side.
"The match today between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan was very good. Everyone watched it, and everybody is happy to witness this derby match, the Durand final between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. East Bengal won by 4-1," Roy told ANI.
West Bengal Sports Minister Indranil Khan hailed the Durand Cup final between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan as a significant moment for Indian football, saying the packed Salt Lake Stadium reflected the growing popularity of the sport in the country.
Speaking to ANI after the final, Khan said the atmosphere at the stadium showed the passion of Indian football fans and described the event as the beginning of more success stories for the sport.
"Today's Durand final is going to be the success story of Indian football. A few days ago, we saw the World Cup; we were shouting for Brazil, Argentina, Spain, or Portugal. Today, it feels great that the Salt Lake Stadium, which is the biggest football stadium in India, is packed. The galleries and stands were packed, and cheers were going on for Indian football and Indian footballers. This is going to be the first of many success stories for Indian football. After a few days, the India vs Brazil match will also happen, and after that, more big matches will celebrate Indian football," Indranil Khan told ANI. (ANI)
"Very successful tournament": AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey hails East Bengal's Durand Cup win
