The esteemed Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) has received an invitation to participate in India's renowned football tournament, the IFA Shield, scheduled to take place from 9th to 21st November. The invitation was extended on Thursday.
MSC official Abu Hasan Chowdhury Prince confirmed, "The club will participate in the tournament." This marks a significant moment as Mohammedan returns to the IFA Shield after many years. The last time MSC competed in this tournament was in 1995, where they reached the final but were defeated by East Bengal Club in a tiebreaker. Since then, they have not participated.
In contrast, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club took part in the IFA Shield in 2014, under the leadership of club president Manjur Quader, who led the team to Kolkata. Sheikh Jamal performed admirably, reaching the final and showcasing impressive football, which resonated across the subcontinent.
Since then, no other club from the region has competed in the IFA Shield. It has been over two decades since MSC last played in this prestigious tournament. Although the IFA Shield is an annual event in India, it has not been held for the past two years. The inaugural IFA Shield football tournament dates back to 1893.
Meanwhile, Mohammedan had a meeting of their technical committee on Saturday regarding the participation in the IFA Shield when they decided to take part in the one of the oldest football tournament of the sub-continent.
Football committee member Abu Hasan Chowdhury Prince of the MSC informed the Dhaka post that they (MSC) sent a letter to the organisers of the IFA Shield to consider 30-member delegate including players anfd officials when the organisers 24 members squad.
