Bhubaneswar: The West Bengal government on Saturday removed the controversial football-themed sculpture installed outside Salt Lake Stadium, a structure designed by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee that had sparked debate among football fans and political observers since its installation in 2017.
The sculpture, erected near the VVIP gate ahead of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, featured giant footballing legs merging into the “Biswa Bangla” logo, with the word “Joyi” inscribed on a football placed above the structure. While intended to symbolise Bengal’s football culture, many supporters and critics questioned its artistic appeal and symbolism from the very beginning.
The decision to dismantle the installation was announced earlier this week by West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik following the Indian Super League Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Pramanik sharply criticised the sculpture’s appearance and meaning. He described it as “ugly-looking” and “grotesque,” saying the structure lacked aesthetic value and failed to convey any meaningful artistic message.
The removal is part of a broader infrastructure overhaul planned at the stadium, officially known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. According to the sports minister, the government intends to improve fan facilities, including the addition of food courts and other upgrades aimed at enhancing the spectator experience during long football matches.
Pramanik also indicated that the state government has begun replacing “Biswa Bangla” branding with the Ashoka emblem across several public facilities and official platforms, including within the stadium complex.
The controversy surrounding the sculpture had resurfaced in recent months amid renewed political tensions and criticism over sports management issues in the state, including the much-discussed Lionel Messi “GOAT Tour” event held at the stadium last year. The event faced allegations of crowd mismanagement and poor organisation, triggering widespread backlash from fans.
With the sculpture now removed, the development marks a symbolic shift at one of India’s most iconic football venues, long regarded as the heart of football culture in eastern India.
-OdishaAge
