Rovers Cup revival a possibility

There is a possibility that Rovers Cup might be revived from this year by Western India Football Association. WIFA assistant secretary Wali Mohammad said they are trying hard to restart the prestigious tournament after a gap of 9 years.

“We have been planning to restart the tournament and we are confident to conduct the tournament before the I-League starts,” Mohammad said.

Rovers Cup is one of the oldest tournaments in Indian football. It is the 2nd oldest football tournament in India, after Durand Cup. It was first played in 1891, when 1st Worcester Regiment were the winners. The last time this championship was held was in the 2000-01 season, when Mohun Bagan beat Churchill Brothers from Goa 2-0 in the final. Mohun Bagan has the record of winning the Rovers Cup for the maximum 14 times.

Among Indian clubs, Mohun Bagan was the first one to participate in this tournament in 1923, when they lost in the finals to Durham Light Infantry by 1-4 margin.

The list of years in which Mohun Bagan won the Rovers Cup

1955 - Mohun Bagan AC 2-0 Mohammedan Sporting Club
1966 - Mohun Bagan 1-0 Vasco SC
1968 - Mohun Bagan 0-0;3-0 Leaders Club
1970 - Mohun Bagan 0-0;1-0 Mahindra & Mahindra
1971 - Mohun Bagan 1-0 Vasco SC
1972 - Mohun Bagan 0-0;0-0 East Bengal (Joint Winners)
1976 - Mohun Bagan 0-0;1-0 Mafatlal Group SC
1977 - Mohun Bagan 2-1 Tatas SC
1981 - Mohun Bagan 2-0 Mohammedan Sporting Club
1985 - Mohun Bagan 2-0 Salgaocar
1988 - Mohun Bagan 1-0 East Bengal
1991 - Mohun Bagan 1-0 Mohammedan Sporting Club
1992 - Mohun Bagan 2-0 JCT
2000-01 - Mohun Bagan 2-0 Churchill Brothers