FIFA president Joseph Sepp Blatter was accorded a warm welcome when he arrived in Kolkata on Saturday night on a four-day official visit to India.
Blatter, who arrived at 2055 IST by a special chartered flight from Zurich, was received at the N S C Bose international airport by All-India Football Federation president Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi, West Bengal Sports Minister Subhas Chakraborty and AIFF and Indian Football Association officials.
The FIFA boss was given a traditional Indian welcome amidst blowing of conch shells and girls putting tilaks on his forfehead.
"It is with great emotion that I have been received in Kolkata, the city of football in India," said Blatter, visibly moved by the tumultuous welcome given to him.
"I thank Kolkata," he said, minutes after being presented mementos that included a gold-plated silver football on a
flower vase, a pot of rasogollas and flowers.
Blatter was also presented a giant garland of 1400 roses during the reception at Baguihati crossing, about 5 kms from
the N S C Bose International airport.
His historic tour commences on Sunday, the Bengali New Year's day, with a visit to the clubs of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting at the Maidan, Kolkata's sports hub.
In the afternoon, he will watch the National Football League derby clash between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where he will be felicitated.
Referring to the match, Blatter said, "We will meet at the football stadium."
He ended his short speech with his signature-tune slogan: "Football for all and all for football."
After meeting with the press at 1930 IST, he will attend a banquet thrown in his honour by the AIFF. A host of former Olympians and Arjuna awardees would be present on the occasion. The next morning he will leave for Delhi.
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