Former India cricket captain and co-owner of Atlético de Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly, was elated beyond measure as his team defeated Kerala Blasters FC in a glittering final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to be crowned winners of the inaugural Hero Indian Super League. The “Prince of Kolkata” enjoyed every bit of the celebrations and was visibly over the moon after the result.Indiansuperleague.comcaught up with “Dada” post the final, who was more than happy to share his thoughts in a candid interview. Here are some excerpts from the conversation:Your team gave Kerala Blasters FC absolutely no time to come back. Is this a perfect win in your opinion?Yes, of course, we’ve been dreaming about this for a really long time and the boys have made it a reality. We need to understand that football is a sport that constantly evolves and gives other teams plenty of opportunities to triumph. It’s our year this year, maybe next year it will be someone else’s. I would like to congratulate Sachin Tendulkar and his team who put in a valiant effort. We must not forget their part in this wonderful final. Their fans have been nothing short of brilliant. They deserve a lot of credit too. My commiserations go out to them."It is very pleasing to know that the Indian players are being watched by the world."Sourav GangulyIt’s been a very intense and competitive league. How heartening does it feel to come out on top and be the first champion of the ISL?It’s an amazing feeling. I know for a fact that as a sportsman, even when you win a local club cricket tournament, you feel amazing. The ISL has been held on such a big stage. The organisers have done an amazing job to get this league where it is and it’s just going to get better every year. As you said, we are the first champions. Nobody can take that away from us. We have created history, for sure.You’ve enjoyed an amazing cricketing career, where does this rank amongst your achievements?It is right up there. As I said, we are sportsmen, so whatever we win, it will always remain in our hearts. Be it football or cricket, to win in front of such an audience, with the world watching, is simply unbelievable. This win will always be extra special for me as I could only watch on while our boys clinched it. I feel privileged to be able to share their glory.One of the major objectives of this tournament is the development of Indian players. Are you glad that our boys are getting such a wonderful platform to express their talents?Of course. Atlético de Madrid want Arnab Mondal to play for them next season, which is a great thing, and hopefully, we’ll get some special talents next year. I know that given our achievements this season, the squad will get stronger and stronger. I am happy that an Indian boy, Mohammed Rafique, scored today’s winner. That is what it is all about. It is very pleasing to know that the Indian players are being watched by the world.
