By It was July 29, 1911, a day remembered as one of the pivotal moments in Indian football. As the sun set over Kolkata, a small crowd huddled around radios, their hearts pounding with anticipation. Mohun Bagan, an all-Indian team, was about to etch their name in history forever in the finals of the IFA Shield. Facing the renowned British East Yorkshire Regiment, the boys from India played barefoot while the sturdy Europeans had proper boots on their feet. None of this mattered, however, because in the final moments, the captain of the Indian team, Shibdas Bhaduri, with all his might, scored a goal, winning the game in the process. This wasn’t just a normal football match win. Rather, it was the first time ever an Indian football club had defeated a British Team. This helped Mohun Bagan etch their name in the annals of football history, and it was also the beginning of the club’s over-century-long legacy.
The Humble Beginnings
Founded in 1889, Mohun Bagan Athletic Club was a local initiative in North Kolkata focusing on various sports, including football. India was under British colonial rule at that time, and British clubs largely dominated football. Mohun Bagan’s early days were marked by perseverance as they competed in local tournaments without major victories. However, the 1911 IFA Shield victory was a turning point. It galvanised the football fraternity and inspired a nation yearning for independence. The victory of the underdog, Mohun Bagan, over the British East Yorkshire Regiment was a symbolic blow to colonial rule, instilling a sense of national pride and unity.
That win wasn’t just a football triumph but a symbolic gesture of defiance against the British Sarkar. Mohun Bagan became a source of inspiration, and their victory sent shockwaves across India. People even dubbed it the first victory against imperial rule. The club’s green and maroon colours became synonymous with hope, struggle, and triumph.
Modern-Day Glory: The Merger and the ISL Era
Fast-forward to the 21st century, Mohun Bagan emerged in a dynamic football environment where modern clubs were emerging, and India’s football scene expanded globally. In 2020, the club embarked on a new chapter by merging with ATK (Atlético de Kolkata) to form ATK Mohun Bagan, competing in the Indian Super League (ISL). The merger began a new era, blending Mohun Bagan’s rich legacy with ATK’s recent successes in the ISL.
ATK Mohun Bagan’s entry into the ISL was impactful. In the 2020–21 season, the team finished second in the league stages but made it to the final, narrowly losing to Mumbai City FC. The following year, they remained competitive, consistently finishing in the top four, demonstrating their capacity to adapt to modern football’s fast-paced demands while keeping their traditional values intact.
As of 2023, ATK Mohun Bagan has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in Indian football. In the 2022–23 season, the club clinched the ISL title by defeating Bengaluru FC in the final, lifting its first ISL trophy since the merger. This triumph added another prestigious title to Mohun Bagan’s illustrious cabinet, further solidifying its legendary status.
The Fan Base: A Family of Millions
A club’s greatness is often measured by its fans’ passion for the club, and Mohun Bagan boasts one of the most loyal and emotionally invested fan bases in Indian sports. Known as the “Mariners,” these supporters have stood by the club through thick and thin. Generations of families have grown up donning green and maroon jerseys, and match days are nothing short of a festival in Kolkata.
The famed Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal remains one of India’s most anticipated sporting events, especially in Football. The rivalry, which began in 1925, transcends football and becomes a socio-cultural phenomenon. Even today, the match can attract crowds of over 80,000 at Salt Lake Stadium, and millions more tune in across the globe, making it one of Asia’s biggest derbies. This is a testament to Mohan Bagan’s impact on Indian football or football in general.
A Vision For The Future
Mohun Bagan has proved that it can compete with modern clubs in modern settings, safeguarding its position in modern Indian football. Moreover, the club’s management has laid a plan to develop infrastructure. They have also invested significantly in youth academies and fostering talent, ensuring the club always has a steady supply of homegrown talent.
Now that the Indians are placing more emphasis on sports other than cricket, Mohun Bagan has the potential to become the next big thing in sports in India. Moreover, the club has significantly strengthened its squad by bringing coaches and players worldwide. Players like Roy Krishna and David Willians have played a significant role in the club’s recent success.
Mohun Bagan is the oldest football club in India, and seeing it succeed has been the dream of every Indian football lover. With international coaches and players helping foster local talent, Mohun Bagan is poised to change the Indian football scene forever.
