By IANS,
Kolkata : Students pursuing the higher secondary course in West Bengal are all set to read about Mohun Bagan’s famous IFA Shield triumph in 1911 in their history text books, with a syllabus review committee appointed by the Mamata Banerjee government recommending the inclusion of the feat in the curriculum.
Shibdas Bhaduri-led Mohun Bagan’s thrilling 2-1 IFA Shield final victory July 29, 1911, over East Yorkshire regiment had electrified the entire country, then fighting to gain independence from British rule.
It was the first time an Indian club succeeded in lifting the IFA Shield by beating the British at their own game.
The epic feat has earlier featured in movies, plays and songs.
Avik Majumdar, head of the syllabus review committee, said it was a historic event which deserved due recognition. “Students should learn this part of our history”.
State Sports Minister Madan Mitra said inclusion of the glorious episode in the text books will encourage patriotism.
Mohun Bagan General Secretary Anjan Mitra said the 1911 triumph earlier was a part of the school curriculum in the 1960s. “We read about the exploits of the immortal XI and fell in love with football and Mohun Bagan. But later it was dropped from the syllabus. It is great that the present government has decided to make it a part of the curriculum again.”