Video: Pele excited to visit Kolkata and experience Durga Pooja

Pele will be visiting India after 38 years

Footballing icon and Brazilian legend Pele will be coming to India during the Durga Pooja festival and will also grace the Subroto Cup finalists with his presence as he is the chief guest for the 56th edition of the tournament. The last time the player visited the country was in 1977, where he participated in an exhibition match between Mohun Bagan and New York Cosmos.

The three-time World Cup winner will be returning to the country after 38 years, and he confirmed the news by releasing a short video.

In the video he said: “Hello Calcutta, after 38 years I am coming to India, and I am very excited to see you all in Durga Pooja.”

Pele looking forward to meeting the young footballers

The Subroto Cup which takes place annually is organised by the Indian Air Force in memory of the First Chief Marshall. In the competition, the teams at a junior level and sub-junior level compete to win the prestigious trophy. This year though the tournament will see a record number of participants with 104 teams, among which 93 are Indian and 11 from other countries.

During the event cash prizes worth 44 lakhs will be given away according to squadron Leader Shouvik Bhattacharya

According to Firstpost, Pele said: "I am looking forward to meeting the young footballers participating in the Subroto Cup and celebrating the world's greatest sport with the children of India."

"I am impressed with the hard work that the Indian Air Force has put into nurture such a big football tournament that brings the youth together. I hope my visit will inspire these champions of tomorrow."