The maiden Kolkata Derby in Lucknow’s KD Singh Babu Stadium on Monday, September 2, 2024, proved to be a truly historic occasion for football in the state as the honorable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, made a series of announcements that would go a long way in boosting the sport in the country’s largest populated state.

As two of Indian football’s traditional rivals, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, fought it out on the pitch much to the delight of the spectators present, Adityanath assured the state government would do everything to take football to the next level in UP.

As the first step, the Government of UP under Adityanath has announced the plan to build 18 football stadiums across the 18 commissariats in the State.

To give the beautiful game a further boost, the honourable Chief Minister has expressed that 827 football grounds will also be prepared in every blocks, across the state to ensure adequate football facilities in the state, which will encourage hosting of more tournaments.

All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey said before the Derby match in Lucknow in the presence of the honorable Chief Minister: “On August 8, I had the privilege of meeting you (the UP CM). After realising your love and dedication towards football, I made a request to you. I said a match like Derby if played in Lucknow, it will help toward the growth of football in UP. But having a good stadium to host the match could be a problem. But to my great surprise, the Government of UP took only 19 days to renovate the KD Singh Babu Stadium for the big occasion. This is a matter of great pleasure for every football lover in the city of Lucknow.”

Addressing the public at the stadium, Adityanath said, “I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to the teams of Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government and its people. It is of great importance to us that this prestigious match is being played in our state’s capital, Lucknow for the first time. The Khelo India initiative, championed by PM Narendra Modi, has been a key driver of sports in India and inspired by his vision, UP has aligned itself with the mission.”

“When I met Chaubey three weeks ago, he wished for a stage to popularise football in Uttar Pradesh and said that the process could be sped up should the sport receive the government’s support.”

“I express my gratitude to the UP CM on behalf of the AIFF,” said Chaubey.