The maiden Kolkata Derby held at Lucknow’s KD Singh Babu Stadium on Monday, September 2 marked a historic milestone for football in Uttar Pradesh.

The event was graced by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who made several significant announcements aimed at improving the sport in the state.

As Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, two of Indian football’s traditional rivals, clashed on the field, CM Adityanath pledged the state government’s commitment to elevating football in Uttar Pradesh.

He announced the plan to construct 18 new football stadiums across the state’s 18 commissariats as an initial step.

Furthermore, 827 football grounds will be developed in every block to enhance the football infrastructure and facilitate more tournaments throughout the state.