From honouring the heroes of 1911 to celebrating today’s stars, Mohun Bagan Day 2026 united generations of the Green & Maroon family in a heartfelt tribute to the club’s enduring legacy.
Kolkata, July 31: For Mohun Bagan supporters, July 29 is more than just another date on the calendar. It is Mohun Bagan Day, a day that honours one of the greatest moments in Indian sporting history, when Mohun Bagan defeated the East Yorkshire Regiment in the 1911 IFA Shield final. That victory, achieved largely by barefoot Indian footballers under the captaincy of Sibdas Bhaduri, became a symbol of pride and resilience, making Mohun Bagan much more than just a football club.
Every year, the Green & Maroon family comes together to celebrate this historic occasion started by Swapan Sadhan Bose and Anjan Mitra. And this year the day begins with the ceremonial flag hoisting, followed by tributes to the club’s legends, the traditional Sibdas Bhaduri XI vs Bijaydas Bhaduri XI exhibition match featuring former footballers, cultural programmes, and the annual felicitation ceremony that honours those who have excelled in Mohun Bagan colours.
This year’s celebrations once again recognised the players who played a key role in another successful season for the Mariners.
Young forward Suhail Bhat was named Best Youth Footballer, receiving the honour for the second consecutive year. The award reflects the club’s belief in one of its brightest young talents, whose steady growth continues to excite the Green & Maroon faithful.
Liston Colaco was awarded the Best Attacking Footballer after another influential campaign. With crucial goals, assists and relentless attacking intent, the winger remained one of Mohun Bagan’s biggest match-winners, consistently making the difference in the final third.
The Best Senior Footballer award went to Alberto Rodriguez, whose impact extended far beyond his defensive duties. A commanding presence at the back, the Spaniard also delivered vital goals throughout the season, including match-winning strikes that proved decisive in Mohun Bagan’s successful campaign. Receiving the honour, Alberto described Mohun Bagan as “the best club in India” and expressed his desire to add more silverware to the club’s trophy cabinet this season.
The celebrations also marked the formal felicitation of newly appointed head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis. Addressing the Green & Maroon supporters for the first time on Mohun Bagan Day, the Greek coach thanked the fans for their warm welcome and called Mohun Bagan “the best club in India.” He promised that he, along with his coaching staff and players, would work tirelessly throughout the season to bring more trophies and make the supporters proud.
The annual honours extended beyond the current first-team stars, recognising individuals and groups whose contributions have enriched Mohun Bagan’s legacy both on and off the field.
Veteran football personality Pratap Ghosh the former goalkeeper was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating decades of dedication and service to the Green & Maroon. The honour acknowledged his lasting contribution to the club and Indian football.
The club also recognised the unwavering passion of its supporters by felicitating Mariners Arena as the Best Fans’ Club. From creating Asia’s largest tifo to producing 44 tifos in a single season, setting a new benchmark, and leading numerous social initiatives, Mariners Arena has redefined supporter culture while carrying the Green & Maroon spirit beyond the stadium.
The Pratul Chakraborty Referee Award was presented to Sagar Sen as the Best Referee. A respected match official in Indian football, Sen has officiated several high-profile fixtures, including the historic exhibition match featuring Brazilian legend Pele during his visit to Kolkata, making the recognition a fitting tribute to his distinguished career.
The celebrations also paid tribute to members of the Immortal Eleven families, whose presence added a deeply emotional touch to Mohun Bagan Day. Sumit Guho, Goutam Mukherjee, Nita Sengupta, Tarun Bhattacharjee Monju Kanji others respectives were felicitated by the club in recognition of the enduring legacy of the heroes of the historic 1911 IFA Shield triumph. Their presence served as a reminder that Mohun Bagan continues to honour not only its glorious past but also the families who have carried that legacy forward through generations.
The Mohun Bagan Ratna, the club’s highest individual honour, was conferred upon Anjan Mitra in recognition of his immense contribution to the Green & Maroon. A former club president, Mitra’s leadership and dedication played a significant role in shaping Mohun Bagan’s modern legacy.
Mohun Bagan Day has always been about more than celebrating victories. It is a day that honours every individual who has contributed to the club’s remarkable journey, players, coaches, officials, referees and supporters alike. As another chapter was added to the Green & Maroon story, the celebrations served as a reminder that Mohun Bagan’s greatest strength has always been the people who continue to uphold its tradition, values and legacy.
As the chants echoed around the Maidan and generations of footballers stood side by side, Mohun Bagan Day once again proved why it is unlike any other club celebration in Indian football. It is a day where history is remembered, legends are honoured, and a new chapter begins with the same ambition that has defined the Green & Maroon for more than a century.
The remaining honours announced on Mohun Bagan Day included:
- Cricketer Anustup Majumder received a Special Felicitation in recognition of his 14-year association with Mohun Bagan.
- The Umakanta Palodhi Award, dedicated to recognising the unwavering spirit of Mohun Bagan supporters, was presented to Sourav Ghosh Chakraborty and Rajib.
- Moti Nandi Award (Best Journalist): Goutam Bhattacharya.
- Pranab Banerjee Award (Best Athlete): Tahura Khatun.
- Best Hockey Player: Mohammed Rahil
- Best Cricket Player: Abhishek Raman
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