Throwback ‘1962: The first ever play-off between two Indian teams

The 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and even the 80’s saw the ‘boro-match’ (now derby) raising the barometer of the football mania to the next level. Football in India was then a different game altogether. India finishing 4th in the Olympics, winning the Asiad gold, club teams beating the foreign teams on their soil … The clubs not letting their players go for the national duty was not very much in practice then. 

The year 1962 – a glorious year indeed in Indian football history – India went on to rock the Djakarta Asian Games. Meanwhile, the Calcutta Football League (CFL), which had a distinguished aura those days, was in full swing. The title contention went down to a wire, both the Calcutta giants finishing with same points (40) from 28 matches in the hard-fought double-leg league of 15 teams. However, Mohun Bagan had much better GD (+29) than their counterparts (+19), East Bengal having better head-to-head tally though owing to the solitary goal win in the 1st leg and a goalless draw in the 2nd leg. As per the laws of the tournament, both the sides had to lock horns again for a play-off final, and it was the first-of-its-kind too.

Bagan missed the services of the legendary Chuni Goswami (skipper), Jarnail Singh, Pradyut Burman and Arumai Naigam. But the remaining squad played their hearts out at the jam-packed Calcutta Ground on Aug 23, ‘1962. Mohun Bagan earned a convincing win (2-0) by virtue of the brace scored by the brilliant Mangal Purakayastha (featured). It was 10th CFL title for the Mariners, and more significantly, Indian national football team went on to clinch the gold medal just 11 days later. 

Now let’s have a glimpse of the ‘1962 CFL champion Mohun Bagan team. 

Pic courtesy: Jugantar

(for detailed match report vide the Mariners’ Trivia Zone page of this site)

Tutu Bose no more

Mohun Bagan Ratna Swapan Sadhan Bose,affectionately known across Bengal’s sporting circles as Tutu Bose, was one of the most influential sports administrators in the history of Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, India’s oldest and most decorated football institution. A businessman, politician, and long‑time club president, Bose’s leadership spanned decades and coincided with some of the most transformative phases in Indian football.

Born on 23 January 1948 in Howrah, West Bengal, Bose studied at St. Xavier’s College and later completed his LLB from the University of Calcutta. His professional life included ownership of Ripley & Co., media ventures in Dubai, and involvement in Bengali print media.

Tutu Bose first became portfolio holder of Mohun Bagan AC in 1989–90, beginning what would become one of the longest presidential tenures in Indian club football.

During these 28 years, he oversaw:

  • Institutional modernization of the club
  • Stabilization of finances during turbulent periods
  • Strengthening of the club’s footballing structure
  • Expansion of Mohun Bagan’s national and international visibility

His leadership style emphasized continuity, tradition, and administrative stability,qualities that helped Mohun Bagan remain competitive across eras.

In June 2017, he stepped down citing health reasons, marking the end of an era. But his departure was temporary. In May 2022, he was re‑elected as President, demonstrating the trust and affection the club’s members continued to place in him.

In April 2025, he officially retired from all positions at Mohun Bagan, calling the club “family” and requesting to step away gracefully as a new board was being formed.

His long tenure provided Mohun Bagan with rare administrative continuity, allowing the club to:

  • Maintain a consistent footballing philosophy

  • Build long‑term financial and infrastructural plans

  • Navigate political and sporting transitions smoothly

This stability was crucial during the 1990s and 2000s, when Indian football lacked structural coherence.

Under his leadership, Mohun Bagan:

  • Remained a top contender in national tournaments
  • Enhanced its brand value and fan engagement
  • Preserved its identity as a heritage club while adapting to modern football

His presidency coincided with major successes in the National Football League and I‑League eras.

During his 2022 return, the club undertook:

  • Renovation of the VVIP box with modern facilities
  • Beautification of the club lawn in honor of the historic 1911 IFA Shield-winning team  

He served as a member of the FIFA Club Task Force, giving Mohun Bagan and Indian football a voice in global administrative discussions.

Few administrators in Indian football have had the longevity, influence, and emotional connection that Tutu Bose enjoyed. His legacy includes:

  • Decades of service to Mohun Bagan
  • Institutional reforms that strengthened the club
  • A leadership model rooted in loyalty and continuity
  • Representation of Indian football on international platforms

His story is not just about administration, it is about devotion, identity, and the enduring spirit of Mohun Bagan.

 

Bar Pujo ‘2026 || বারপুজো ‘১৪৩৩

Following the tradition, the auspicious occasion of “Bar Pujo” on Bengali new year has been observed with usual pomp and grandeur at the Mohun Bagan Club Tent. Huge numbers of fans assembled at the club braving the terrific heat and humidity. They enjoyed the refreshments and the musical program too after the pujo. 
Wish শুভ নববর্ষ to all Mariners across the globe. Here are some stills.