What's the story?
The football-fanatic city of Kolkata is gearing up to welcome Argentine legend Diego Maradona in September, a month before India hosts the FIFA Under-17 World Cup this year. This immensely loved footballer announced on his Facebook account that he will be visiting the City of Joy.
“It is such an honour for me to be able to make this trip. Kolkata is a very special place and I have good memories from my trip there many years ago, the fans were fantastic.
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“#India is a very passionate football nation, and I look forward to meeting a whole new generation of fans while continuing to spread the overwhelming love that I have for this beautiful game,” his post reads.
The context
The 1986 World Cup winner’s visit is going to kick-start Kolkata’s tryst with the U-17 World Cup. The City of Joy is where the final match of the tournament is scheduled to take place. This will be Maradona’s second visit to the city.
The footballing great’s last visit in December 2008 saw a tremendous response from thousands of fans and followers, who thronged the airport on his arrival.
The heart of the matter
Maradona’s visit gets even more extraordinary as he will be playing a charity match with Kolkata’s favourite cricketer and former Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly, and other celebrities, according to the event promoters.
The promoters have added that Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, would be felicitating Maradona with a Lifetime Achievement award during his two-day visit. The former footballer is also expected to be a part of football workshops, meant to help the youngsters learn the trick and trades of the sport.
What’s next?
India is hosting the U-17 World Cup in October and Maradona’s impending visit to Kolkata will help spread the word about it. Football is on the rise in the cricket-mad nation and occasions like these will only help the sport grow.
Author's take
Football is incredibly popular in Kolkata from time immemorial and doesn’t come second to even India’s favourite sport, cricket. Kolkata is extremely fortunate to host the legend for the second time, besides hosting Brazilian legend Pele in 2015.
Only time will reveal how much Maradona’s visit to the football capital of India impacts the sport and the event.
