Today 3 ex-olympians Nikhil Nandy, Badru Banerjee and Balaram held a press conference in Calcutta Sports Journalist Club on behalf of the 9 players whom AIFF has send a grant of Rs. 25000 each. On 23rd February, Indian Sports Minister M.S. Gill felicitated 9 surviving members of 1956 Melbourne Olympics team, which finished fourth, in New Delhi. The players were Badru Banerjee, S. S. Narayan, Salam, Ahmed Hussain, Nikhil Nandy, P. K. Banerjee, Keshto Pal, Balaram and Julfikar.

The next day, i.e. on 24th February, the players met with AIFF Secretary Alberto Colaco in Football House, New Delhi. The ex-players put up a proposal of pension scheme and railway gold pass for ex-olympians and ex-indian international players similar to what BCCI does for ex-Indian cricket players.

On 26th February, the ex-players got a letter from Colaco where it was written that their proposal has been passed on to Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and Sports Joint Secretary Srinivasan, but after that time passed and even though Badru Banerjee contacted Colaco repeatedly, there was no step taken. Suddenly few days back on July 28th, all of them got a cheque of Rs. 25,000 as grant each from Football Federation.

The ex-players were very hurt and today they organized a press conference in Calcutta Sports Journalist club. Captain of 1956 Olympic team and recently awarded Mohun Bagan Ratna Badru Banerjee said, "We asked for a pension scheme and railway pass and we are insulted by the cheque which has been sent to us. We did not beg any money from them." Tulsidas Balaram said, "We are not beggars that we will accept this cheque. We are returning back the cheque to Federation. We will see how the AIFF reacts after hearing this from media and then, if needed, we will approach the Union sports ministry."

Mohun Bagan team is currently in Kalimpong in a residential camp. The camp started on July 30th and team will return to Kolkata on August 8th. This training is basically to improve fitness on team. Coach Karim said, “I am very happy with this place. I always wanted to have a residential camp in a place like Kalimpong. The main aim of this residential camp is to improve fitness, abilty, endurance of the players.”

"After this camp, we will have few days of light training in Mohun Bagan ground where team will play two practice match. From August 17th to August 31st, our 2nd residential camp which might be held in Durgapur will be basically technical/tactical." He also added, "I am very happy with the condition of the players and the way team is progressing. This camp will also help in coordination of the team and help build team spirit."

Today there were 2 practice sessions. Since yesterday and today was hard session for players, tomorrow coach has decided to give a little break. Tomorrow’s morning session practice will be basically light training, some jogging and exercise in hotel itself. In afternoon, team will go to a local school where there is a basketball court, swimming pool. Coach Karim said from Kalimpong, "I will divide team into may be three groups and engage them in basketball, swimming/tennis and badminton. Swimming will depend on condition of swimming pool." On August 5th, Mohun Bagan will participate in an exhibition match with a local team from Kalimpong.

Yesterday, on first day, team basically underwent fitness training and commando training which comprised of walking on hands, running over hurdles, and also power training involving running with water filled tumbler. However, Chiddi and Barreto is having less workup to do as they have just joined the team, coach will increase workload on them gradually.

Mohun Bagan might participate in IFA shield and Durand Cup before start of I league. However, final decision has not been made yet by the officials. Coach said, "I am preparing my team in such a way that they will be able to participate in any tournament that officials wish to participate in. Final decision will be made by the officials regarding this."