Mamata awards 50 lakhs to female footballers of East Bengal team

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee presented a reward of 50 lakh rupees to the East Bengal Women’s Football Team for their victory in the Indian Women’s League (IWL). The announcement was made during the launch of the club's documentary, "Shatabarsher East Bengal," celebrating the club’s 100-year legacy. The documentary was unveiled at Rabindra Sadan, a prominent cultural venue in Kolkata, where Mamata expressed her admiration for the team’s performance in the league.

In her address, Mamata emphasized the significance of supporting women’s sports and promoting gender equality. The reward for the women’s football team comes as a recognition of their outstanding achievement in the IWL, marking a milestone for both the team and the state’s sports culture. Mamata’s gesture is expected to encourage further development in women’s football and bring more attention to the contributions of female athletes in the region.

Mamata also discussed the broader challenges facing East Bengal FC, particularly its performance in the Indian Super League (ISL). Despite significant backing from sponsors like Shree Cement and Imami Group, the team has struggled to perform well in the league. The team has yet to finish in the top six and has faced criticism from fans for consistently underperforming. Mamata highlighted that East Bengal must rethink its approach to recruitment and management in order to secure better results in future seasons.

Urging East Bengal authorities to plan more effectively, Mamata pointed out that the club often waits until the last minute to sign foreign players, which limits their options. She recommended that the club start its player recruitment process well in advance and focus on strategic long-term planning. "Plan ahead and recruit players before the season begins," she said, stressing that simply spending money on players does not guarantee success. The Chief Minister’s comments underscored the importance of a well-structured, proactive approach to club management and team development for East Bengal’s future success.