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In 19th century Eastern India, football was more than a sport. It was a voice and medium of expression against atrocities of the colonial masters. This voice was further strengthened by the formation of Mohun Bagan Athletic Club in 1889. The Club’s growth and supremacy in the first decade of the 20th century was driven by its performance against both native and British teams. But the prestigious IFA Shield still evaded them. What is the IFA Shield, you must ask?
The Indian Football Association (IFA) Shield was a prestigious football tournament consisting of premier British Army teams across the country. Not many Indian teams were given an opportunity to compete and share the field with the ruling class. But Mohun Bagan was invited to play the Indian IFA Shield in 1911. The 1911 tournament proved to be a watershed moment, not just for Indian football, but also for India’s independence struggle movement.
Mohun Bagan went into the tournament with eleven barefooted players. They began their campaign by comprehensively defeating St. Xaviers (3-0) and Rangers Club of Calcutta (2-1). Led by a goal from Bijoydas in the second half, they managed to defeat Rifle Brigade (1-0) in the quarterfinal. The semi-final against Middlesex was a hard-fought affair. But Bagan reigned supreme 3-0 to storm into the finals against British composed East Yorkshire Regiment, in what was expected to be a majestic celebration of football on the Indian soil.
The final at the Calcutta Football Ground attracted a crowd of over 80,000 people. Tickets were sold at inflated prices. East Indian Railways ran special trains to transport spectators from various parts of the country to Kolkata. There were special arrangements made to update scores to people who could not make it to the ground - Kites with club colours were flown having match scores written over them. This was no ordinary match.
The Bengal boys didn’t disappoint. Led by goals from skipper Shibdas Bhaduri and centre forward Abhilash Ghosh, the team thrashed the East Yorkshire Regiment 2-1 to register themselves in history as the first Indian team to lift the IFA Shield. The momentous occasion was widely celebrated by the media, both local and foreign. Amrita Bazar Patrika reported,
“ The scene that followed was beyond description. Hats, handkerchiefs, umbrellas and sticks were waved and the tremendous cheering shook heaven and earth”
The home team captivated the crowd with their immaculate skill and physicality. The team defied all odds to shatter British arrogance. The astounding victory gave sense of identity to the natives, filling them with pride and self-esteem. The IFA Shield conquest remains one of the most iconic sporting moments of India. July 29 is celebrated as Mohun Bagan day every year to commemorate the historic victory of the men who are famously remembered as the 'Immortal XI'.
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