25th Airlines Gold Cup: Mohun Bagan receive champions trophy!

At the Airlines Tent on the Kolkata Maidan, Mohun Bagan AC yesterday received the Airlines Gold Cup trophies, the Champions Trophy and President Cup, which were collected by the six present Mohun Bagan players – Shilton Pal, Jewel Raja Sheikh, Lalrozama Fanai, Dipendu Biswas, Manish Bharghav and Nirmal Chettri. Both these trophies are handed to the champions of the Airlines Gold Cup!

On November 2, Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan AC were declared champions of the 25th All Airlines Gold Cup tournament after rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club refused to play the final, which has not gone down to well with too many people who think after numerous postponements of the final, it could have been played on a suitable date for both clubs.

For Mohun Bagan AC, this is their first title triumph since 2010 though they did not win it on the field, which surely the green-and-maroon would have preferred, but a title is a title.

Mohun Bagan striker Odafe Onyeka Okolie was adjudged Man of the Tournament, which Shilton Pal collected the award on Odafe’s behalf. Midfielder Jewel Raja Sheikh received the trophy for scoring the first goal in the semifinals. Dipendu Duwary of Bhawanipore Club got the highest goalscorer award for netting three times in the tournament. Janbazar Club got the Fair Play Trophy.

The 25th edition of the Airlines Gold Cup was played in Kolkata from August 2 to September 5, which the local clubs used as preparations for the upcoming Calcutta Premier Division. The big attraction in this edition were giants Mohun Bagan AC, who played in the tournament for the first-time since 2005. The tournament also saw Mohammedan Sporting Club, George Telegraph SC, Kalighat Milan Sangha, Bhowanipore Club, Southern Samity, Techno Aryan Club and Janbazar SC in action. The pre-quarterfinals and quarterfinals were played at the Mohun Bagan ground while the semifinals were held at the Saltlake Stadium.