West Bengal: Kolkata witnessed a momentous event on Tuesday as Argentine FIFA World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez inaugurated the Pele-Maradona-Sobers Gate at the prestigious Mohun Bagan Club. Football enthusiasts flocked to the venue in droves, eager to catch a glimpse of the shot-stopper who played a crucial role in fulfilling the World Cup dreams of Argentina striker Lionel Messi with his remarkable saves.
The gate has been aptly named after three legendary sports figures that have left an indelible mark on the world of sports. The gate pays homage to Brazilian football icon Pele, Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, and West Indies cricket great Garry Sobers.
Pele, who passed away in December of last year due to colon cancer and subsequent multi-organ failure, was a prolific scorer who netted over 1,000 goals in his illustrious professional football career, spanning both club and international competitions. He achieved the remarkable feat of winning three FIFA World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Pele’s club career saw him don the jerseys of Santos and the New York Cosmos, leaving an everlasting impact on the global football landscape.
Maradona, who sadly departed in November 2020, is hailed as one of the greatest footballers to have graced the sport. His crowning achievement came in 1986, when he led Argentina to World Cup glory. Maradona’s mesmerising skills and unforgettable moments on the field captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. He represented iconic clubs such as Barcelona, Napoli, and Sevilla during his illustrious career, leaving an indelible legacy.
Garry Sobers, on the other hand, is renowned as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket. His remarkable contributions to the game are evident from his impressive statistics. In his 93 Test matches for the West Indies, Sobers scored a staggering 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78. He registered 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries, with a highest score of 365. Sobers also showcased his prowess with the ball, claiming 235 wickets in Test cricket, with his best figures being 6/73.
Mohun Bagan Club, founded in 1889, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest sports clubs in Asia. Its football division, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, currently competes in the Indian Super League (ISL), the top-tier professional football league in India. Additionally, the club has a cricket division, with its team participating in various age-group tournaments organised by the Cricket Association of Bengal.
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