Scores of Mohun Bagan fans donning the club colours line up in anticipation, waiting desperately for the gates of the stadium to open. Wearing my red and yellow colours with Bhaichung Bhutia's name on the back, I'm lost among the crowd. Holding tightly onto my father's index finger, I attempt to peer through the multi-layered wall of green jerseys to locate the East Bengal fans. My father, an ardent Mohun Bagan supporter for over three decades was, to say the least, disappointed that his son had chosen to support their rivals.
Steeped in over 100 years of history, the Mohun Bagan AC-East Bengal Club rivalry reflects the spirit, culture, and history of the sport in the state. While a derby brings out a large number of fans from the city and outskirts to witness both teams playing against each other, Kolkata is home to many other sporting cultures apart from football. Though it might be difficult to see a match (especially during the off-season), you can visit the following prime locations that play host to the larger-than-life sporting extravaganzas in the city.
Officially called the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, the stadium is home to the biggest rivalry in Asian football. It is filled to the brim when Kolkata teams take on one other. The 85,000-capacity stadium often overflows with a crowd of over 100,000 people. Having played host to the U-17 FIFA World Cup final in 2017, the Salt Lake Stadium was built in 1984. A trip here on match day is a tantalising prospect and even Argentinian football legends like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradano have graced its halls. With an atmosphere unmatched anywhere else across the world, a visit here guarantees an exceptional experience of the history of Indian football and the culture of Bengal.
Considered to be the Mecca of cricket in India, the Eden Gardens remains on the wishlist of passionate cricketing aficionados from all over the country. An iconic ground, it is well remembered for the innumerable successes that the national team have delivered here, such as a formidable test win over Australia in 2001, in which VVS Laxman starred while playing an astonishing knock of 281. IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders and Ranji side Bengal also play their home matches here. A wave of blue for the national team or gold for KKR takes over when either side takes centre stage.
The oldest golf course to be located outside the United Kingdom, the RCGC was established in the mid-19th century. King George V and Queen Mary honoured it with the title "Royal" to commemorate their visit to Calcutta in 1911. One of the most sought-after courses in Asia, it is also the second oldest in the world. Elegantly embellished using gorgeous trees and innumerable lakes, the course is intricately composed. The Indian Open and has taken place here as well.
Flooded with boats during the middle of June every year, the Rabindra Sarobar artificial lake is another piece of the puzzle in Kolkata's sporting culture. As the date of the traditional Chinese Dragon Boat festival nears every year, no preparations are spared to celebrate the presence of Chinese heritage in Kolkata. Hordes of people line up with their elaborately decorated boats and showcase their competitive spirits in a boating competition.
Dating back to 1920, the Calcutta South Club is another place carrying significant sporting history in the city. As a tennis venue, the club has previously hosted several matches in the Davis Cup. Established as the premier tennis club in the country, the club is recognised as the cradle of a game that has nurtured Indian talents from Naresh Kumar and Dilip Bose, to the evergreen Leander Paes.