3 reasons why you should watch the Kolkata Derby

#1 The biggest match in Indian football

A packed up Salt Lake Stadium during a 'Kolkata Derby'

Although the Indian Super League has hogged most of the limelight in Indian football in the past few years, yet the Kolkata Derby has not lost its importance. It is arguably the biggest fixture in the Indian football circuit. The rivalry dates back to 1925, these two clubs have been facing off each other in fierce encounters for nearly 94 years now. Whatever the competition may be, this fixture always attracts enormous hype!

The entire city comes to a halt for the 90 minutes of the match and the population is divided into two parts with each of them backing either the ‘Mariners’ or the ‘red and gold’ brigade. The build-up to the Derby is even more interesting with fans paying a visit to the practice sessions in huge numbers, extensive media coverage by the local newspapers and news channels. The battle between ‘chingri’ and ‘ilish’ will be re-ignited once again!

Controversies revolving around the match also grabs the eyeballs even though it is not always healthy for the growth of the game. With packed stands regular in any Kolkata Derby, it is expected that around 70,000 people will turn up at the majestic Salt Lake Stadium this Sunday evening. The electrifying atmosphere will give take the game to a different level after all this is the biggest game in Indian football!