East Bengal Club, the only club in India where natural and artificial playing surfaces coexist within the same campus, marked a historic milestone on 6 February 2026 with the formal inauguration of its newly constructed AstroTurf ground—a symbol of progress, vision, and commitment to the future of sport.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Kolkata Mayor Mr. Firhad Hakim, Housing and Power Minister Mr. Aroop Biswas, Principal Secretary (Sports & Youth Welfare), Government of West Bengal, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, IAS, along with Club President Mr. Murari Lal Lohiya, General Secretary Mr. Rupak Saha, Football Secretary Mr. Saikat Ganguly, Cricket Secretary Mr. Sanjeev Acharyya, Debabrata Sarkar, senior club officials, former players, members, and a large gathering of supporters.

As the floodlights illuminated the Club premises, the new AstroTurf was officially unveiled, reinforcing East Bengal Club’s enduring focus on modern infrastructure while preserving its rich legacy. The occasion stood as a powerful statement of how tradition and transformation walk hand in hand at the Red & Gold institution.

Honouring Ilyas Pasha: A Promise Kept Beyond Loss

Beyond celebration, the day carried profound emotional significance. The Club stood united in remembrance of its former captain, the iconic No. 17 jersey holder Ilyas Pasha, whose untimely passing only days earlier left the East Bengal fraternity in mourning.

In keeping with its long-standing tradition of standing by its own, East Bengal Club and its former players fulfilled their commitment to Pasha’s family by collectively handing over ₹11 lakh as financial assistance. Mrs. Saeeda Begum, wife of the late Ilyas Pasha, received the support in the presence of their daughter Faria Arzuma Khansa and son Zabiullah Mohammed, a moment that deeply moved everyone present.

Football as Tribute, Unity as Legacy

To honour the memory of Ilyas Pasha, benefit matches were organised on the newly inaugurated AstroTurf—turning the ground into both a stage for football and a canvas of remembrance.

In the marquee encounter between East Bengal All Stars and East Bengal Legends, the Legends secured a 1–0 victory, with Chandan Das scoring the decisive goal. In another match, Team East Bengal registered a commanding 5–0 win over Team FPAI, with goals from Soumik Dey, Alvito D’Cunha, Rafique, and Bhaichung Bhutia, who netted twice.

Despite physical limitations, revered figures such as Bhaskar Ganguly, Manoranjan Bhattacharya, and Prashanta Banerjee were present, while legends including Bhaichung Bhutia, Alvito D’Cunha, Rahim Nabi, Soumik Dey, Dulal Biswas, Mehtab Hossain, Arnab Mondal, Sandeep Nandi, Dipankar Roy, Sasthi Duley, Dipak Mondal, Barreto, Asim Biswas, Sule Musa, Chandan Das, Falguni Dutta, and Suryashekhar relived moments of Red & Gold glory under the night lights.

Where Progress Meets Compassion

Spectators were allowed to witness the occasion free of charge, reinforcing the Club’s belief that football, fraternity, and empathy must remain accessible to all.

On a single unforgettable day, East Bengal Club inaugurated a new future through its AstroTurf, while honouring its past through remembrance and responsibility. Amid celebration and sorrow alike, the Red & Gold spirit stood tall—united, compassionate, and timeless. ❤️💛