Mohun Bagan Day 2026: CM Suvendu Adhikari Extends Greetings, Pays Tribute to the Immortal XI

Mohun Bagan Day 2026 is being celebrated across West Bengal and among football fans worldwide to commemorate one of the greatest moments in Indian sporting history. The day marks the 115th anniversary of Mohun Bagan's historic 1911 IFA Shield triumph, when a team of eleven barefoot Indian footballers defeated the British Army's East Yorkshire Regiment to script an unforgettable chapter in India's sporting and nationalist movement.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari extended his heartfelt greetings to football lovers and supporters of Mohun Bagan, remembering the courage, determination and patriotism displayed by the legendary "Immortal XI."

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari Extends Mohun Bagan Day Greetings
Marking Mohun Bagan Day 2026, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari took to social media to congratulate football enthusiasts across the state.
In his message, he wrote:

"Glorious July 29th. Heartiest greetings and warm wishes to everyone on Mohun Bagan Day. Joy Mohun Bagan!"

The post, accompanied by the club's iconic green and maroon heart emojis, celebrated the enduring legacy of Mohun Bagan and its historic contribution to Indian football.

Why July 29 Holds a Special Place in Indian Football
For football fans, July 29 is much more than a commemorative date. It marks the day in 1911 when Mohun Bagan achieved a victory that transcended sport and became a symbol of national pride during British rule.

The club's victory over the East Yorkshire Regiment in the IFA Shield Final inspired millions of Indians by demonstrating that determination and teamwork could overcome formidable odds.

The achievement remains one of the most celebrated moments in Indian football history.

The Historic 1911 IFA Shield Final

The final of the 1911 IFA Shield saw Mohun Bagan face the East Yorkshire Regiment, a team representing the British Army.

Playing Barefoot Against the British
What made the victory extraordinary was that most of the Mohun Bagan players competed barefoot, while their British opponents wore football boots and enjoyed superior facilities and resources.

Despite these disadvantages, the Indian side displayed remarkable resilience and tactical discipline.

A Dramatic Comeback
Mohun Bagan conceded the opening goal and trailed during the first half.

However, the team mounted a spirited comeback after the break.

With around ten minutes remaining, Shibdas Bhaduri surged forward from the right flank, beat the opposition defender and scored the equaliser, bringing renewed hope to the Indian supporters.
Moments later, with only minutes left in the match, Abhilash Ghosh dribbled past defenders and the goalkeeper before calmly finishing to score the winning goal.

Mohun Bagan secured a memorable 2–1 victory, etching their names into Indian sporting history.

The Immortal XI and Their Legacy

The players who achieved the historic triumph came to be known as the Immortal XI.

Their victory symbolised courage, self-belief and resistance during the colonial era. Historians and football enthusiasts often describe the triumph as more than just a football victory—it became an inspiration for India's growing nationalist movement.
More than a century later, the story of the Immortal XI continues to inspire athletes and sports lovers across the country.

Mohun Bagan Day Celebrations
Every year, Mohun Bagan Day is celebrated to honour the club's glorious legacy and the heroes of the 1911 IFA Shield victory.

The celebrations typically include:

Tributes to Legendary Footballers

Supporters, former players and club officials pay homage to the members of the Immortal XI and remember their historic achievement.

Messages from Political and Sporting Leaders

Leaders from different walks of life, including Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, extend greetings and acknowledge the contribution of Mohun Bagan to Indian football.

Celebrating Bengal's Football Heritage
The occasion also serves as a celebration of West Bengal's rich football culture and its enduring passion for the sportXI

Why Mohun Bagan's Victory Still Matters

The Mohun Bagan Day 2026 celebrations are a reminder that the club's 1911 victory remains a defining moment in India's sporting history.

The triumph demonstrated that dedication, teamwork and determination could overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. It also strengthened the emotional connection between football and the broader struggle for national pride during the colonial period.

More than 115 years later, Mohun Bagan's victory continues to inspire generations of footballers and fans alike.

Mohun Bagan Day 2026 celebrates one of the most iconic moments in Indian football history—the legendary 1911 IFA Shield victory of the Immortal XI over the East Yorkshire Regiment. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's greetings on the occasion reflect the enduring significance of this historic achievement. As supporters across the country remember the courage and determination of the barefoot footballers, the legacy of Mohun Bagan continues to inspire pride, unity and sporting excellence.