In a move as unique as it can be, the Indian Football Association (IFA), the governing body of football in West Bengal, felicitated the wives and mothers of several sports icons of West Bengal, on the occasion of the International Women’s Day in Kolkata yesterday, March 8.

Called ‘Ananya Samman’, the felicitation program was held to honour the following:

– Basanti Goswami, the widow of the Late Chuni Goswami, who needs no introduction in any corner of India
– Debjani Kumar, the wife of Debasish Kumar, MNIC Sports
– the mother of Debjit Majumder, SC East Bengal
– the mother of Debjit Ghosh, Ex-footballer, India
– the mother of Mehtab Hossain, former Indian international footballer
– the mother of Suvam Sen, SC East Bengal
– the mother of Adrija Sarkhel, Women’s footballer, India

Speaking on the occasion, IFA Chairman Subrata Dutta said, “We are so glad to honour these ladies. This, indeed, is a unique event. I wish all players and their families happy times ahead.”

Echoing his views, IFA Secretary Joydeep Mukherjee said, “IFA has been taking a great deal of progressive steps for the cause of sports and this ‘Ananya Samman’ is another great effort towards this direction.”