Eat, Sleep, Football, Repeat: Kolkata couple set to watch their 10th FIFA World Cup from the stands

Four years ago, with Germany lifting their 4th FIFA World Cup, we bid adios to the greatest tournament in sports history. Ever since we have been waiting for the next 4 years to pass in a blink of an eye. And here we are in 2018, and it’s time for the 21st FIFA World Cup!

The country of Russia is all set to host the gigantic footballing event and we are just 13 days away from the carnival. Admit it, we cannot wait until 14th June.

As far as the country of India is concerned, the City of Joy, Kolkata, eats, breathes and repeats football. And we are going to tell you a story that will drive our point home.

Kolkata-based couple Pannalal and Chaitali Chatterjee are all set to attend their 10th FIFA World Cup and their extraordinary love for football will make you go ‘awww’.

They say that back in 1982 when Kolkata experienced its first live coverage of the international tournament, the couple decided upon experiencing the tournament from the stands. The World Cup in 1986, was the couple’s first visit to the global event. The Cup went to Argentina that year, thanks to Diego Maradona and his godly abilities as a footballer.

Speaking about the same, Pannalal said,

“Of course, it was watching Diego Maradona’s brilliance at the 1986 World Cup. I saw him leave defenders helplessly looking at each other, as there was little they could do when the tiny fellow had the ball at his feet. Watching the Hand of God occurring right before my eyes, well, how can you expect anything else to top that memory.”

Pannalal Chatterjee, 85 and his wife, Chaitali, 76  have made several sacrifices mover the years to live their dream. The couple’s story was featured on the FIFA.com website during the U17 World Cup, highlighting their struggles. They said,

“We have managed to buy only three tickets this time. We have requested Fifa for more tickets. But they have not yet responded. We are still hoping to get a few more.”

They also spoke about their experience of the U-17 World Cup. They said,

“Fifa had given us a grand hospitality during the U-17 World Cup matches here… There was vehicle at our doorstep, premium seats, dinner for us at the venue and also arranged media coverage.”

The couple is going to leave on 14th June with a budget of Rs. 5 lakh and will tentatively come back to town by 28th June, if they don’t manage to get the tickets of the knock-out rounds.