Search icon
Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 16:13 IST, October 16th 2023

Big Highlight/ WATCH: Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho pays visit to a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata

Ronaldinho on Monday paid a visit to Sreebhumi Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata. During his stay, the legendary footballer is set to partake in various programs.

Reported by: Vishal Tiwari
Ronaldinho visits Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata | Image: ANI

Brazilian football icon Ronaldinho touched down in Kolkata on Sunday for a brief two-day visit. His arrival at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose airport's terminal was met with an enthusiastic reception from a throng of ardent fans who had gathered to welcome their legend. The airport had been buzzing with eager supporters awaiting his arrival. 

3 things you need to know

  • Durga Puja is a Hindu festival that is widely celebrated across India
  • In West Bengal, the Durga Puja celebrations are done on a different level
  • Ronaldinho has landed in India for his maiden visit to Kolkata for Durga Puja

Also Read: Greece, Netherlands meet in crunch European qualifier, Austria look to secure Euro 2024 spot

Ronaldinho visits Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata

Ronaldinho on Monday paid a visit to Sreebhumi Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata. During his stay, the legendary footballer is set to partake in various programs. Additionally, there are indications of a potential meeting with the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This marks Ronaldinho's debut visit to the football-crazed city of Kolkata, which has previously hosted other football legends such as Pele, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi. Recently, Argentina's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez visited the city of joy. 

Also Read: USMNT star Christian Pulisic scores world-class goal against Germany - WATCH

Ronaldinho on his maiden visit to Kolkata

Earlier this month, the winner of the 2005 Ballon d'Or used his Facebook platform to announce his upcoming visit to Kolkata, providing insights into the purpose of his visit and highlighting his plan to visit the Sree Bhumi Sporting Club. He also expressed his intention to take part in a charity football match and grace the Diamond Harbour FC ground.

Hello Everybody, I will be doing my maiden trip to Kolkata this mid-October and will participate in many charitable activities including visiting my R10 Football academy where I will interact with kids at Merlin Rise. Will also see the many cultural aspects and be part of the Durga Puja Festivities by visiting Shree Bhumi Sporting, Ahirtola Yuvak Brindo, Baruipur, Green Park & Rishra. More ever, I will also be part of a Charity football match and also grace Diamond Harbour FC ground,” Ronaldinho said in his Facebook post.

I would also interact with sponsors and many felicitation programs and promote the beautiful game. I know Kolkata has huge Brazil fans and I am very excited to meet them. It would be a huge honour to meet the Honourable Chief Minister of West Bengal and gift her a jersey. I know Cricket is very popular and this time I want to learn cricket from Bengal's “ Dada”. I take this opportunity to thanks all the sponsors involved, Mr Saket Mohta from merlin who has partnered with my R10 football academy. Finally, Thank you Satadru for this initiative to take me to the beautiful City of joy. Let the Samba Magic begin this Durga Puja. Ami tomader bhalo bhashi!” he added. 

Updated 19:24 IST, October 16th 2023

Search icon
Home
Live TV
Defence
SportFit
India News
World
Latest News
Republic Business
Education
Entertainment
Health
Election News
Videos
Tech
Opinion
Web Stories
Initiatives
Viral
Science News
Lifestyle
Travel
Paralympics
Good News
Download the all-new Republic app: