Passion Fuses With Love In ‘Namma Ooru’ Bengaluru
NEW DELHI: Football belongs to the Players who make it glamorous by their sizzling tricks captivating audience far and wide by their ethereal finesse whilst packaging the sport in a very ‘champagne’ like way – bubbly and exciting. However, it is the set of ardent and passionate fans which constitute the base of this champagne and with the right equilibrium it gives the sport a dazzling and a glittering outlook, much like the fizz which erupts out of a champagne bottle when it is un-corked.
This fizz of attaining the right balance – between the Club and the fan bases – has been practiced quiet successfully by Clubs around the World and prominent examples like Juventus, Manchester United and Barcelona, assert the importance of how fans can influence the outlook of a Team.
Spinning the globe and in India one such scenario of JSW Bengaluru FC and their set of supporters which has attained a perfect equilibrium stands out. ‘The Blue Army’ as they are dubbed have paved a way for the Indian Gen-Y to support their home Teams and take pride in the Football of the land. While one can bracket their approach as European, it certainly is a new vogue in Indian Football and seems to spiral upward gradually.
With the fizz enveloping Bengaluru every match day one fails to imagine that the inception of the support group started with a hand-full of fans. “There were 15 or so odd fans who showed up for the first training session of JSW Bengaluru FC and today there are thousands, that pour in from every corner of the city”, says Terry Larsen, a die-hard Bengaluru FC supporter and a prominent figure amongst the support group.
“It has been quite a fairytale for us. We started with few members and gradually it picked up pace”, he adds.
In the age of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, Bengaluru FC used all forms of social media to add to their fan base through various fan engagement sessions. And soon Bengaluru stood up and polarized their footballing love into the Team.
“It is my opinion that Bengaluru FC have prioritized their fans. From Player-fan interactions to contests to match-day atmosphere, everything has been done keeping the fans in mind. And that is important because when you know the club is doing their best to do everything for you, you as a fan want to do everything to back them up”, opines Terry.
Regardless of age and gender, Fans poured in like melting iron into the casket that is Bengaluru FC and jousted in unison to support their home Team. Scenarios like Women donning Bengaluru FC jerseys instead of a Zara outlook and kids chanting names of their favorite Bengaluru FC Players seldom became sporadic.
“The fact that there are some many Football fans in Bengaluru, who were just waiting for something local to pour their passion into, happened”, expresses Ayeshni Dasgupta, who is one of the many faces of the massive outreach of the Club.
“Gen-Y is the most active part of the support, but tons of people from all ages and walks of life – ranging from a 2 year old kid to an 80 year old elder – come to cheer the Team”.
“The number of female fans is also pleasingly large”, she adds.
You inquire about the depth of their love towards the Club and Terry chalks out a simple modus-operandi. “You go for a game, you soak in the atmosphere, you fall in love with it and then it becomes contagious. You’ll as they say, ‘eat, sleep, pray’, about it.”
Another trait of support groups are the buzz and the hostile environment which they create for the opposing Teams. Bengaluru FC’s fan base has always kept this at the top of their to-do lists. “The buzz on match days is immense. You can feel it kick in well in advance. It is almost like war that we cannot use”, says Terry.
Albeit minute, the use of ‘we’ in the quote above perhaps tells us how large Bengaluru FC is in Bengaluru and how it is perceived by the new generation of fans – as an integral part of them.
“There is something or the other planned for every game, either a new chant, a march or a new banner”.
Ayeshni elaborates their take on match environment and says, “We plan on being loud and intimidating to the opposition, to make our home a place that they fear and respect.”
“There is a chant called ‘Santhosa’ which is in Kanada and roughly translates into ‘Play, play for the love of the game”, she adds.
With the Hero I-League coming to a photo finish in Bengaluru on Sunday (May 31, 2015), the support groups will be looking to create an environment to remember for the away Team, that are current league leaders McDowell’s Mohun Bagan.
“It does not get any bigger than this. These are the moments that you crave for as a fan. It would have been nicer to have wrapped up the title earlier, but winning it in the current scenario amid the pressure will be nonetheless sweeter”, says Terry.
Bengaluru FC need to win if they aim to retain their Hero I-League Title. With scenarios chalked, dices cast and the stage set, one can only fantasize about the environment which the fans are set to create. And that perhaps may prove pivotal for the Club.
The indulgence of fans in any sport is seen as a welcomed commodity. And with Indian football on an upward surge, one can also conclude that the Fan culture in India, seems not only limited to Kolkata, but touches every part of the country, indicating that the number of fans, which chant for their hometown Teams, are also on a gradual rise.
Distanced By Kilometers, Stitched By The Colors: A Tale Of Mariners@Bangalore
NEW DELHI: Mohun Bagan is an integral clout which revitalised the Freedom Movement of India, Mohun Bagan is a deceptive force who compelled the British Empire to shift the National capital to Delhi, Mohun Bagan is an entity who still soak in millions of fans’ cheering as well as booing, Mohun Bagan is an inseparable element of many a Mariner’s biological system.
3 years back a tiny number of blokes, a few thousand kilometers away from the club tent, were unwinding themselves in a Bangalore Pub on a weekend evening, eventually Mariners@Bangalore saw the daylight. It has been a topsy-turvy run for the enthusiasts who showed their mettle and grit to keep the Mariners’ flag flying high despite the Mariners’ trophy cabinet haven’t seen any National piece added in 7 years. Despite the Gunners failed to capitalise on their electrifying football, the fans vowed to come in numbers to Emirates, eventually the title drought came to an end while Arsene Wenger & co. plundered their record 11th FA Cup.
The aficionados are leaving no stone unturned to commemorate the historic moment while Sanjoy Sen, the bagpiper, along with his commandos would lift the coveted Hero I-League trophy. The resurrection of the club, which commenced its quest 10 years before the European powerhouse AC Milan, is nothing but akin to the resurgence of the Gunners, an anecdote of the Phoenix indeed.
The fan club, which grew bigger and stronger since their inception, has stepped into their 4th year and they are not going to pull out the plug any sooner having not witnessed the moment, for which they are craving since 2002 while Mohun Bagan triumphed the National Football League for the last time. Indian Cricket Team has played two World Cup finals since then while they have clinched once, ISRO has launched their successful mission to Mars and Manmohan Singh had to move from 7 Race Course Road after spending a long spell of 10 years- but the Mariners’ fortune did not find a lightning on the horizon. Have they found an Aladdin in Sanjoy Sen who possesses a lamp up his sleeves? The mariners’ run in this season has been nothing less than a fairy tale.
We, Indians, boast of our football knowledge and leave no stone unturned to emulate the English Football panache. If the Kolkata derby could match up the North London derby cadence, the warfare between Bengaluru FC & Mohun Bagan would give birth to another blood and iron. The scars are not going to be healed anytime soon for the outfit who will leave the ground empty handed, so as the fans.
The battlefield is set for the gladiators, spectators draw the line amongst themselves. Mariners@Bangalore already alienated themselves from the Blues, no need to be pally with the foes, no need to shake the hand with the rivals, it’s going to be only bloodshed on 31st, the judgement day. “Mariners@Bangalore have worked with the host team management, and ensured a dedicated a stand for the supporters”, Subhajyoti, the lifeline of Mariners@Bangalore, expresses out.
Sanjoy Sen & co. are poised to receive a red-carpet treatment from these fellas who have planned meticulously even for the after-match party. Right from giant cut out to a grand dinner party with the team (once they are permitted), everything is planned and chalked down.
“Mariners@Bangalore members to sport Champions T-Shirt & Post match celebration with green and maroon Abir/Gulal”, Subhajyoti could not get hold of his ecstasy while peeling off their plans for D-Day. Albeit execution is left and there is a significant gap between the morsel and the lips, these guys are going gaga over Sony Nordes and Pritam Kotals. Why won’t they? These swaggers provided the oxygen to these bunch of football maniacs who are captivated in a city which doesn’t stop to heed to a passerby, which starts working after the zero hour and which prefers to play on mind rather to hit the ground.
Subhajyoti adds more,”Going to the Bangalore Kalibari is part of our regular rituals that we do before any vital match. For this time too, there is not going to be an exception.” Are the young Turks being religious ahead of the encounter or offering a wreath to goddess Kali is an integral part of Bengali Culture? Goddess Kali symbolises the demeanour to demolish the demon, she epitomises the enigma to tame down the austere. Bangalore Kalibari is set to host an early diwali on 31st May anyways; it’s set to unveil only after those grueling ninety minutes whether these fantasists host it or once again it eludes their grasp.
South China 2-0 Bengaluru FC: The Blues go down in the AFC Cup Round of 16
In a close encounter in which the Hong Kong side's win was aided by a controversial penalty, Westwood will consider himself desperately unlucky at the decision...
Two goals from Daniel McBreen in either half (28',58') were enough to end Bengaluru FC's AFC Cup campaign at the hands of Hong Kong's South China as they went down 2-0 in the Round of 16.
Bengaluru lined up with Beikhokhei Beingaichho in a three man attack alongside Sean Rooney and Robin Singh with Sunil Chhetri only finding a place on the bench. Meanwhile, Gurtej Singh came into the centre of defence to partner Curtis Osano with John Johnson taken ill.
South China had Australian Daniel McBreen upfront, Serbian Bojan Malisic in central defence and Ecuadorian Cristian Mora in goal.
The visitors had the first pop at goal within the first ten minutes when Eugeneson Lyngdoh set himself up just outside the box but his shot was just over the bar with Mora stretching to reach it.
Robin Singh spun around three minutes later after being fed by Rino Anto but his shot was sliced wide.
The home side had their first real effort towards goal in the 21st minute when McBreen directed his header wide after a delightful cross from Mahama Awal down the right who brushed aside Keegan Pereira's challenge.
Controversy reared its ugly head in the 26th minute when the referee awarded a penalty against Curtis Osano for bringing Awal down. The Cameroonian had left Keegan for dead and it was a perfectly timed sliding tackle from the Englishman which the referee deemed a foul and awarded a spot kick, much to the chagrin of the Bengaluru players.
McBreen stepped up and made no mistake in smashing it past Lalthuammawia Ralte to put his side into the lead.
In the 39th minute, following another effort from Lyngdoh that sailed wide, Chan Siu Kwan could have doubled South China's lead after a free-kick was perfectly headed into his path by McBreen but he could only smash it over the bar from close range.
Two minutes later, Lyngdoh put Keegan Pereira through who got in behind the opposition's defence and his cross in the box was kept in play by Beikhokhei but it just evaded Sean Rooney who was looking to have a go.
Bengaluru lined up with Beikhokhei Beingaichho in a three man attack alongside Sean Rooney and Robin Singh with Sunil Chhetri only finding a place on the bench. Meanwhile, Gurtej Singh came into the centre of defence to partner Curtis Osano with John Johnson taken ill.
South China had Australian Daniel McBreen upfront, Serbian Bojan Malisic in central defence and Ecuadorian Cristian Mora in goal.
The visitors had the first pop at goal within the first ten minutes when Eugeneson Lyngdoh set himself up just outside the box but his shot was just over the bar with Mora stretching to reach it.
Robin Singh spun around three minutes later after being fed by Rino Anto but his shot was sliced wide.
The home side had their first real effort towards goal in the 21st minute when McBreen directed his header wide after a delightful cross from Mahama Awal down the right who brushed aside Keegan Pereira's challenge.
Controversy reared its ugly head in the 26th minute when the referee awarded a penalty against Curtis Osano for bringing Awal down. The Cameroonian had left Keegan for dead and it was a perfectly timed sliding tackle from the Englishman which the referee deemed a foul and awarded a spot kick, much to the chagrin of the Bengaluru players.
McBreen stepped up and made no mistake in smashing it past Lalthuammawia Ralte to put his side into the lead.
In the 39th minute, following another effort from Lyngdoh that sailed wide, Chan Siu Kwan could have doubled South China's lead after a free-kick was perfectly headed into his path by McBreen but he could only smash it over the bar from close range.
Two minutes later, Lyngdoh put Keegan Pereira through who got in behind the opposition's defence and his cross in the box was kept in play by Beikhokhei but it just evaded Sean Rooney who was looking to have a go.
The Blues had their best chance of the half a minute before regulation time ended with Beikhokhei laying it off to Rooney in a lightning fast counter attack. The Australian's shot towards the top right corner was however kept out by Mora.
Three minutes after the restart, Ashley Westwood's side came close to equalising when Robin Singh cleverly backheeled the ball into Rooney's path but his shot was agonizingly wide with Mora beaten that time.
The home side doubled their advantage in the 58th minute after a great cross by Che Runqiu from the left put it on a plate for McBreen to tap it in from point-blank range as he completed his brace.
Sunil Chhetri who had come on in the second half had a chance to close the gap in the 72nd minute from a free-kick but his shot went over the bar with Mora having had it covered.
McBreen had a chance to complete his hat-trick in the 84th minute but a terrific diving save from Ralte kept his ferocious shot out.
The Blues can now concentrate solely on retaining their domestic crown after their untimely elimination from the continental competition.
Three minutes after the restart, Ashley Westwood's side came close to equalising when Robin Singh cleverly backheeled the ball into Rooney's path but his shot was agonizingly wide with Mora beaten that time.
The home side doubled their advantage in the 58th minute after a great cross by Che Runqiu from the left put it on a plate for McBreen to tap it in from point-blank range as he completed his brace.
Sunil Chhetri who had come on in the second half had a chance to close the gap in the 72nd minute from a free-kick but his shot went over the bar with Mora having had it covered.
McBreen had a chance to complete his hat-trick in the 84th minute but a terrific diving save from Ralte kept his ferocious shot out.
The Blues can now concentrate solely on retaining their domestic crown after their untimely elimination from the continental competition.
Top and Flop: Dempo SC 0-0 Salgaocar FC
Here's a look at the best and worst performers as the I-League’s relegation battle got a lot more intense between the two Goan teams
Welcome to Goal 's new I-League feature: Top and Flop . For every game, a candidate will be put forward, as chosen by Goal , who deserves recognition for achieving something special. It won't necessarily be the best player in the league - but whoever we nominate will have done som ething amazing. In the same vein, we will also name a player whose performance wasn’t up to the mark on the given day and eventually came to hurt his side.
| TOP: CHIKA WALI |
The Salgaocar goalkeeper was kept busy between the sticks and showed off his ability to successfully bail his side out. Karanjit first parried a Pronay Halder's shot from about 30 yards out at the half hour mark before blocking Tolgay Ozbey's left-footed effort for a corner minutes later. The most significant of saves pulled off by the Indian custodian was the one in the 84th minute which saw Ozbey's rasping shot off a Dempo free-kick rip apart the Salgaocar wall except for Karanjit's dive to his left to keep the ball from entering the back of the net.
| FLOP: JEWEL RAJA |
In a game where neither team's players wanted to make a single mistake that would cost their side dearly as a 'six pointer' was at stake, the Dempo midfielder frustrated himself with a shot going wide from a good position on the hour mark. Jewel could have also done better to test Salgaocar in another opportunity but his shot from around the edge of the box was too feable to cause any damage.
COMPETITIONS
Matchday 22
TOP SCORERS
| Player | Goals | Apps |
 R. MARTINSStrikerEast Bengal | 17 | 19 |
 C. GLENNStrikerShillong Lajong | 13 | 18 |
 S. NORDÉStrikerMohun Bagan | 9 | 18 |
 M. DUDUStrikerEast Bengal | 9 | 17 |
 JOSIMARStrikerMumbai | 8 | 18 |
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