FPAI's Debanjan Sen Memorial Trophy

A Football Players Association of India XI faced a team of the Calcutta Cricket & Football Club (CCFC 'A') at the latters home in Ballygunge, Kolkata for the Debanjan Sen Memorial Cup on Sunday afternoon. The FPAI organised the memorial match in the name of their former employee the late Debanjan Sen, who died in an motorbike accident a few weeks ago. Debanjan was only 22 years old.

Debanjan Sen worked for the FPAI as their Executive - Player relations, Media & Marketing. He was besides Anuj Kichlu the man behind the FPAI and contact for the Indian footballers across the country. All those who knew Debanjan will remember him as someone hardworking, always friendly and helpful, always good for a laugh. I can say that after we worked together on the 2010 FPAI Awards in New Delhi last September.

The game was one of the most awaited matches in the CCFC football calendar then the CCFC had to take on some of India's biggest football stars in the FPAI XI. Players like Gouramangi Singh, Nirmal Chetri, Sanju Pradhan, Robin Singh, Syed Rahim Nabi, Mehtab Hussain and others took the field. Both teams were introduced to Debanjan's parents and the CCFC president Ravi Kidwai.

The match was for a good cause, but it became clear from the onset that both CCFC and FPAI XI wanted to win on a sunny Kolkata afternoon. The match was entertaining to watch from start to end. The FPAI XI put the CCFC side under a lot of pressure, but CCFC were able to hold their ground as the match ended goalless after 70 minutes. Both teams gave in all they had in memory of a great friend Debanjan.

Both teams played the match with zeal and passion and above all both teams made Debanjan proud as he was shining his light on the both sides. After the game the cup that each team was fighting for was given to Debanjan's younger brother Debdatta Sen and FPAI president Baichung Bhutia.

May Debanjan's soul rest in peace.