Local Hero Sumit Rathi to Lead Mohun Bagan in Landmark Lucknow Derby

Sumit Rathi, hailing from Muzaffarnagar, has been named captain of Mohun Bagan for a promotional match against East Bengal. Organized by AIFF, this match marks the first-ever clash in Lucknow between these arch-rivals, aiming to boost football development in Uttar Pradesh.

Sumit Rathi, a native of Muzaffarnagar, will captain Mohun Bagan in a monumental match against East Bengal on Monday. This match, organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in collaboration with various state bodies, signifies a crucial step towards promoting football in Uttar Pradesh.

The 23-year-old Indian Super League (ISL) champion has been given the captain's arm-band as a 'special honor.' Bagan coach Deggie Cardoza emphasized the importance of the match, stating, 'A derby always excites the fans. We want to prepare well, play the match seriously, and return home as the winners.'

This initiative aims to distribute 96,455 footballs across 21,551 schools in Uttar Pradesh. With kickoff scheduled for 6:30 pm, the game will be broadcast live on DD Sports and Indian Football's YouTube channel, hoping to inspire young athletes and elevate the sport in the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)