*By Avilash Panigrahi
Bhubaneswar: In a surprising turn of events at Kalinga Stadium, AFC Cup football match between Mohun Bagan SG and Odisha FC not only showcased thrilling sportsmanship but also sparked an unexpected controversy related to the sweet delicacy, Rasagola. The fans of Mohun Bagan SG left no stone unturned in claiming their stake over this beloved dessert.
ম্যানহ্যাটান থেকে একেন বাবুও বলছেন, রসগোল্লা তুমি বাংলার ❤️
Rokte Amar Mohun Bagan – RAMB 🟢🔴#JoyMohunBagan#MohunBagan#AFCCup2023#MarinersInAsia pic.twitter.com/vZhuIvPiMu
— Rokte Amar Mohun Bagan – RAMB (OFFICIAL) (@Rambians) September 19, 2023
Before the commencement of the highly anticipated match, Mohun Bagan SG supporters unveiled a visually striking tifo that caught the attention of fans and the media alike. This massive display featured a bold proclamation asserting their ownership of Rasagola. The sight of this vibrant and contentious tifo set the tone for a dramatic evening of football.
𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙤 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙮, 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥 𝙍𝙖𝙨𝙖𝙜𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖!🟢🔴#JoyMohunBagan pic.twitter.com/lL3tamRjnE
— Rokte Amar Mohun Bagan – RAMB (OFFICIAL) (@Rambians) September 19, 2023
As the match progressed, Mohun Bagan SG dominated the field, securing a convincing 4-0 victory over Odisha FC. However, it wasn’t just the goals that had fans talking after the match. The controversy surrounding Rasagola continued to brew, with Mohun Bagan SG fans taking to social media to further assert their claim. They tweeted passionately about the victory and reinforced their belief that Rasagola was an integral part of their heritage.
It is ours, and always will be ours.@Rambians #JoyMohunBagan #MarinersBaseCamp #AFCCup pic.twitter.com/tAAkVh0U3X
— Mariners’ Base Camp – Ultras Mohun Bagan (@MbcOfficial) September 19, 2023
The Rasagola controversy quickly gained traction in the football community and beyond, sparking debates and discussions about the sweet’s origins. Rasagola, a syrupy dessert made from cheese curds and loved by people across India, has long been a subject of contention between Odisha and West Bengal. Both states have laid claim to its invention, leading to a culinary and cultural rivalry.
Nobody asked for your opinion. Your sponge is much ill-treated as processed food. https://t.co/Jfo45gFlzs
— Odisha FC wala Diego Mauricio (@JuggernautMohit) September 19, 2023
This football match inadvertently became a battleground for this age-old culinary dispute, with Mohun Bagan SG fans using the platform to make a bold statement. The controversy highlights how deeply ingrained regional identities and rivalries can extend beyond the realms of culture and sport.
You can claim your sponge .
But Rasogolla amara 💜🖤 https://t.co/qohpoXDAmx— Anubhav Mohanty (@MohantyAnubhav) September 19, 2023
While the football match ended with a clear victor on the field, the Rasagola debate remains unresolved. It serves as a reminder that sports can sometimes transcend the boundaries of the playing field, offering a platform for fans to express their regional pride and cultural affiliations. This incident will undoubtedly be remembered not only for the goals scored but also for the unexpected sweetness that enveloped the stadium.
Won it from the stands and also on the pitch
Insane atmosphere @MbcOfficial @MdxOfficial2018 @ArenaMariners 🥶 pic.twitter.com/78BLTo9XW5
— Tishan (@tishanjeet_) September 19, 2023
(*The writer is a sports enthusiast)
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