Memorial cup celebrates heroes, inspires talent

Football met remembrance as Seth Anandram Jaipuria College rolled out the second edition of the Shahid Kanad Bhattacharya Memorial Cup on 8 September, 2025, at the BA-CA Football Ground in Bidhannagar. What began last year as an inter-college tournament has quickly become a marquee event, blending fierce competition with a tribute to a former student.

The cup honours Captain Kanad Bhattacharya, a proud alumnus of the college and a martyred soldier of the Kargil War, who laid down his life in service to the nation. “The legacy of our heroes and the tradition of sporting excellence must live on. Tournaments like this help us honour courage while nurturing talent and team spirit,” said Professor Dr. Mou Chattopadhyay, teacher-in-charge.

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Eminent footballer Bhaskar Ganguly, former goalkeeper and captain of the India national team at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi, kicked off the tournament. Ganguly hoisted the National Flag, Professor Dr. Chattopadhyay raised the college flag, and college sports committee convenor Professor Sukanta Sarkar held the NCC flag. Defending champions Maharaja Manindra Chandra College faced Vidyasagar College in the opener, setting the tone for a spirited contest.

The tournament featured Gurudas College, City College, Scottish Church College, The Bhawanipur Education Society College, Vidyasagar College, Maharaja Sris Chandra College, Umesh Chandra College, and Seth Anandram Jaipuria College. In the final, Vidyasagar College defeated Seth Anandram Jaipuria College, with footballers Ashok Chandra and Satyajit Mitra presenting the trophy to the winners.

“Football has always been central to Bengali culture. By tying it to the legacy of Lieutenant Bhattacharya, we are showing how games can carry history forward while also strengthening a culture of sport and physical fitness,” said Professor Arup Ratan Acharjee, who anchored the event.

With youthful energy, poignant symbolism, and a ball at centre stage, the Shahid Kanad Bhattacharya Memorial Cup is fast emerging as a defining fixture in Kolkata’s collegiate football calendar.