East Bengal Club

East Bengal Club, also known as Quess East Bengal Football Club, is one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in India. Founded in 1920 in Kolkata, West Bengal, the club has a rich history and has won numerous trophies and titles over the years. In this article, we will explore the history and achievements of East Bengal Club.

History:

East Bengal Club was founded on 1st August 1920 by a group of young men who were passionate about football. The club was originally called East Bengal Football Club and was based in the eastern part of Kolkata. The founding members of the club were mostly students and young professionals who came from different parts of Bengal.

The club's early years were marked by a lack of funds and resources, and it was not until the mid-1930s that the club began to achieve success on the football field. In 1934, East Bengal won its first major trophy, the Cooch Behar Cup, and followed it up with victories in the IFA Shield and the Calcutta Football League in 1942.

In the years that followed, East Bengal established itself as one of the top football clubs in India. The club won numerous titles and trophies, including the IFA Shield, the Durand Cup, the Rovers Cup, and the Calcutta Football League.

One of the most significant events in the history of East Bengal Club was the creation of the I-League in 1996. The I-League was established as the top professional football league in India, and East Bengal was one of the founding members of the league. The club has since become a mainstay of the I-League, and has won the league title three times.

In 2020, East Bengal Club celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking a century of excellence on the football field.

Achievements:

East Bengal Club has a long and illustrious history, and has won numerous trophies and titles over the years. Here are some of the club's most significant achievements:

National Titles:

East Bengal Club has won three National Football League/I-League titles, making it one of the most successful clubs in the league's history. The club won its first title in the 2000-01 season, and followed it up with two more titles in 2003-04 and 2010-11.

In addition to its three league titles, East Bengal has also won two Federation Cup titles, one Super Cup title, and one Indian Super League runner-up trophy.

International Titles:

East Bengal Club has also had success on the international stage. The club won the ASEAN Club Championship in 2003, and reached the semi-finals of the Asian Cup Winners' Cup in 1997.

Regional Titles:

East Bengal Club has dominated the regional football scene in West Bengal, winning the Calcutta Football League a record 39 times. The club has also won the IFA Shield 29 times, the Durand Cup 16 times, and the Rovers Cup seven times.

Players and Coaches:

East Bengal Club has had some of the greatest football players and coaches in India's football history. Some of the most notable players who have played for East Bengal include:

1. Bhaichung Bhutia:  Considered one of the greatest Indian footballers of all time, Bhaichung Bhutia played for East Bengal for several years and helped the club win numerous titles.

2. Chuni Goswami:  One of the greatest footballers India has ever produced, Chuni Goswami played for East Bengal in the 1950s and 1960s and helped the club win several trophies.

3. Mehtab Hossain:  Mehtab Hossain is a former Indian footballer who played for East Bengal for several years.