ArrayKolkata, Aug 4 (IANS) Amidst a host of Bengali film stars, city football giants Mohammedan Sporting unveiled their squad, jersey and a new theme song for the upcoming season on Tuesday. The club also named a new sponsor.
Actor Dev was the cynosure of all eyes as he, along with team captain Karim Omlaja Nurain, revealed the club’s latest black and white jersey.
Meethi, a local beverage brand, was named as a sponsor of the 123-year-old club which has been in financial turmoil for sometime now.
“We did not endorse a liquor or a cigarette brand as our sponsor even when we had a chance to do so. We had to face some financial crisis. We could not do well, the last few seasons because of this financial hardship but I hope the new venture will bear fruit,” club president Sultan Ahmed told reporters here.
Last year there were reports that the club would pull out of the second division I-League due to financial constraints. However, it did not happen and the club participated in the tournament.
Ahmed was also hopeful that the team would do well and qualify for the I-League first division next year and once again play alongside city giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.
“We have won the Durand Cup (2013) and the IFA Shield (2014) recently and this year we are going to compete in the second division. Hopefully we will be back in the I-League first division by next year,” Ahmed said.
Music director Anupam Roy, who composed tunes for Bollywood movie “Piku”, has sung the theme song for the club.
Actress Koneenica Banerjee, actor Hiran and Kolkata’s mayor Sovan Chatterjee were also present at the event.