The players could not make it due to a tight practice schedule but representatives of three U-17 World Cup teams of England, Chile and Iraq witnessed the Durga Puja grand immersion carnival held at the Red Road this evening from a spectators' gallery especially made for them.
The representatives of the three teams, alien to Durga Puja festival, were awestruck as around 70 top Durga idols of this year were carried through the specially-lit Red Road this evening.
The three teams are here in the city to participate in the ensuing FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament with the first match in the city between England and Chile scheduled to be played here at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday.
The three teams, along with their officials, were invited by the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to witness the immersion carnival.
However, only representatives of the three teams could make it to the carnival as Iraq and Chile were busy with their pre-scheduled practice sessions while the England team, which landed in the city only this afternoon, chose to stay indoors.
This was the second edition of the carnival.
Besides Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, other senior ministers, officials of the state government along with foreign consulates and tourists were present at the event.
Kolkata is scheduled to host 10 matches along with the final to be held on October 28.
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