Blatter assures new soccer era amid chaos and carnival

Kolkata, Apr 15 (UNI) FIFA president Joseph Blatter today had a date with history at the cradle of Indian soccer and assured that the real game would begin in India from now on under the guidance and tutelage of the world soccer body.

Speaking on the occasion of visiting the clubs, Blatter said, ''I am extremely glad to be here in Kolkata, the birthplace of Indian football. I welcome you all to the FIFA fold and assure you that the real game will begin in India from now on.'' '' Football is a social school of our lives. Enjoy your life, but don't forget to enjoy soccer,'' he said.

Wishing everyone a happy Bengali new year, he said, ''I am overwhelmed at being received with such open arms. It's good to be with friends.'' Talking about Mohun Bagan and Mohameddan Sporting clubs, he said, ''I represent FIFA. And we are juniors here. We have come here to remember soccer history.'' While FIFA was established in 1904, Mohun Bagan was set up in 1889 and Mohameddan Sporting Club in 1891. East Bengal was established in 1920.

A cavalcade of 15 cars and security vans arrived at the historic Mohun Bagan club at 0959 hours later, Blatter was taken to the club's lawn where he unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit amid a din of reports and a fusillade of flashbulbs.

His next stop was East Bengal club where the routine pleasantries were exchanged, before he moved on to garland the statue of Gostho Paul and then to Mohameddan Club.

Speaking on the occasion AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam said, ''It is time for us to play the game here. We feel emotionally attached with this place because of the love for football you show here.'' Meanwhile, the experience was a sure mix for Blatter and company.

Chaos reigned supreme at Mohun Bagan and Mohameddan Sporting Clubs with officials and security agencies engaged in a mid-riff battle of elbows and still photographers and camerapersons hopping about for a good frame.

While he was presented with a silver boat as a memento in Mohun Bagan, Mohameddan Sporting club presented him a trophy and a souvenir. Near the Gostho Paul statue the camerapersons' staged caved in. Thankfully none was injured.

The experience was a different pole at East Bengal club. They made a stage in the form of a goalpost and in a neat presentation ceremony he was given a memento, a photo of the DCM cup winning East Bengal team with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi and a souvenir.

Mr Blatter presented all the clubs with a FIFA pendant.

While Blatter was accompanied by Jerome Champagne, delegate of the press for Special affairs FIFA, Guy-Philippe Mathau, personal assistant to Mr Blatter and a host of other FIFA officials, AIFF President P R Das Munshi, secretary Alberto Colaco, IFA secretary Subrata Dutta accompanied him from India.

Hundreds of soccer enthusiasts lined the roads on Maidan and in three clubs, eagerly awaiting the FIFA delegation.

Blatter is on his maiden visit to the country and will be here for three days as he will talk to all concerned for development of Indian soccer.

Kolkata is his first stop. He heads for Delhi tomorrow.

UNI