Over 130-year-old football club Mohun Bagan on July 10 completed the formalities of merging with three-time Hero ISL champions ATK FC, thus scripting a new essay named as – ‘ATK Mohun Bagan’.
“We are delighted with the merger of ATK and Mohun Bagan, the two powerhouses of Indian football. I whole-heartedly welcome Mohun Bagan, one of India’s oldest and most renowned clubs, to the Indian Super League and congratulate Sanjiv Goenka for embracing the I-League champions with open arms,” said Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) which runs the ISL.
The FSDL chairperson believes that the combined power of ATK and MB will further enable India to establish its stronghold in AFC competitions.
“The coming together of these two heavyweights marks a momentous chapter in the history of Indian sports. The new entity, ATK Mohun Bagan FC, holds vast potential for not just West Bengal or Indian football but internationally too, as we endeavour to establish Indian clubs as strong players in AFC competitions,” she added.
A firm believer in investing in youth development, Ambani is of the opinion that the ATK Mohun Bagan will lead the way towards a more competitive platform for young Indian players, benefitting the overall football ecosystem in the country.
“Talent can only be realised when budding youngsters get the opportunity and exposure to play competitive football at the highest levels. I am confident that this partnership will benefit football in our country and help us realise our dream of making India a football superpower,” Ambani added.
“I wish the management of ATK Mohun Bagan FC, the players and the staff all the very best for what promises to be an exciting journey ahead,” Ambani concluded her statement.
Board of directors of ATK Mohun Bagan Private Limited met on July 10 and unanimously decided to retain the iconic green and maroon jersey which has been synonymous with the 131-year legacy of Mohun Bagan. The culture and tradition which has made the brand a household name has been preserved.
Sanjiv Goenka principal owner ATK Mohun Bagan Private Limited said “My ‘pronams’ to the many legends who have over decades contributed to the great legacy that Mohun Bagan is. I seek their blessings in this new journey. Mohun Bagan has been close to my heart since childhood. I have had the honour to watch the Green and Maroon play some of their best football. We respect legacy and have retained the same jersey which generations down the line have embraced, adored and loved. My dream is to establish ATK Mohun Bagan as a world class team which earns its place in the international circuit.”
