ATK Mohun Bagan likely to be named after the Lucknow Super Giants franchise in a similar fashion. In a sensational development, it has been revealed that ATK Mohun Bagan’s name could be changed to MBSG, maintaining a bond with the Indian Premier League franchise Lucknow Super Giants.
Since the merger with ATK, the Kolkata-based franchise’s fans have expressed their discontent with the name and showered disagreement across social media platforms. Many supporters were seen conducting protests in 2020 after the merger outside the Mohan Bagan tent at Maidan, demanding that the ‘ATK’ prefix be permanently deleted as it had been threatening their identity.
ATK Mohun Bagan To Mohun Bagan SG
ATK and Mohun Bagan had decided to enter a merger back in January 2020 that would help Bagan enter the ISL from the 2020-21 season. However, fans of the Green and Maroons have been vocal about a new nomenclature, as the ATK prefix ahead of the name of one of India’s most prestigious footballing entities was not accepted gladly by the Mariners. There have been multiple protests, and finally, the perseverance of the fans could be rewarded.
The Mariners have competed in the Indian Super League (ISL) for two seasons under their new name ‘ATK Mohun Bagan’, finishing runners-up in their first season and reaching the semi-final stage in the next season. The Green and Maroon brigade will be eyeing to lift their maiden title in the next edition of the ISL. During the 2021–22 season, ATKMB withdrew their names from the Calcutta Premier Division League.
According to reports in Bengali newspaper Ei Samay, the newly-elected secretary of the team, Debashish Dutta has already started the proceedings for an official change of name. The ATKMB officials are going to request Sanjiv Goenka, the majority stakeholder in the club, to rename the team Mohun Bagan SG (MBSG).
There are a couple of reasons behind this suggestion. Firstly, besides being a part-owner of ATKMB, Sanjiv Goenka is also the owner of Indian Premier League franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Hence, MB officials feel that naming the club MBSG would mean maintaining a bond with the IPL cricket franchise.
That means, ATK Mohun Bagan officials feeling naming the team MBSG will mean maintaining a relationship with both the Lucknow Super Giants team, as well as the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group. It now remains to be seen whether the seal of approval will come from Goenka or not.
UPDATE: Sanjiv Goenka confirmed Mohun Bagan Super Giants
Today, ATK Mohun Bagan clinch the ISL title in the most dramatic way possible and after that Mohun Bagan owner Sanjeev Goenka declared that the name ATK would be removed from the club’s name and they will now be known as Mohun Bagan Super Giants starting next season.
After immense fan outrage and protests to get rid of the ATK prefix, the new owners have heard their pleas. Following their triumph over Bengaluru FC in the ISL on Saturday, the name ATK was officially eliminated, bringing great news to Mohun Bagan supporters who feel their beloved club has regained their true identity. Following their win, owner Sanjeev Goenka announced, “It is a very simple but significant announcement. We are removing ATK.”
