Kolkata Geared up For Date With Pele

Kolkata, is all set to have its second date with Brazilian legend Pele, who would be paying a three-day visit to the eastern metropolis beginning on Sunday. (Mohun Bagan felicitated, relive memories of meeting Pele)

Pele will revisit the historic Eden Gardens ground on Monday, where the city's football fans had seen their favourite Samba magician in flesh and blood 38 years back in a friendly match.

The triple World Cup winner, playing for American side New York Cosmos, featured in the exhibition match against local powerhouse Mohun Bagan in 1977.

In a double bonanza for the sports buffs, Pele and the city's very own former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly will come together during a chat show at the Netaji Indoor Stadium on the same day.

Among others to be present at the event will be Academy award winning music composer A.R. Rahman and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Tennis star Rafael Nadal will also join the show through a video conference.

Members of the Mohun Bagan team who played in the 1977 match would be present and get a chance to interact with the Brazilian superstar who along with the CM is scheduled to felicitate them.

Prior to the chat show, Pele will hold a press conference at a five star hotel in South Kolkata and then head off to the NSHM Knowledge campus for a tete-a-tete with the students.

On Tuesday, The 74-year-old will be the guest of honour at the Indian Super League (ISL) defending champions Atletico de Kolkata's home game against Kerala Blasters. He would also meet the ATK players at a city hotel the same day.

The Brazilian would round off a hectic day by taking part in an auction dinner. The proceeds would go the chief minister's relief fund.

The buzz surrounding his visit is palpable with banners and posters of the legend splashed across the city while some of the leading confectioners and hotels have plans to prepare delicacies in his honour.