New Delhi: In a momentous rendezvous in Spain’s Madrid, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, convened with the former Indian cricket captain and BCCI chief, Sourav Ganguly. This eminent meeting culminated in a significant development as the two illustrious figures joined hands with officials from La Liga, Spain’s premier football league, to ink a pivotal agreement for the establishment of a football academy within West Bengal, aimed at nurturing young talents.
During a discreet, closed-door session, an instrumental Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was sealed between the West Bengal government, represented by Chief Minister Banerjee, and La Liga, led by its president, Javier Tebas. This momentous accord also saw the presence of Mr. Ganguly, along with delegates from Kolkata’s renowned football powerhouses: Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting Club.
“This remarkable MoU is poised to catalyze football’s growth, nurturing sportsmanship, well-being, and prosperity. La Liga’s commitment is evident in its pledge to establish a football training academy in West Bengal,” a spokesperson from West Bengal affirmed, as quoted by news agency PTI.
Under the purview of this agreement, La Liga’s accomplished coaches will impart their knowledge and expertise to West Bengal’s coaches and players, thereby fortifying the region’s football clubs and enabling them to attain self-reliance.
In a hospitable gesture, Chief Minister Banerjee extended an invitation to Mr. Tebas, urging him to grace Kolkata with his presence and attend a friendly football match.
“Be our guest, immerse yourself in the football fervor that reverberates through Bengal. The passion for football you’ll witness here is unparalleled,” she warmly conveyed.
La Liga boasts a roster of some of the most illustrious clubs in global football, including Real Madrid and FC Barcelona