The blood donation camp organized by the IFA and Association of Voluntary Blood Donors to remember the tragic death of 16 football lovers 43 years ago at the Eden Gardens during the Kolkata derby witnessed 421 people donate blood and receive the certificates signed by I-League former coach Sanjay Sen. 

Eight more districts also remembered the 'Football Lovers Day' by organizing blood donation camps where 304 people donated blood. 

IFA secretary Anirban Duta and one of the vice-presidents Saurav Paul donated blood. IFA secretary commented, “It is a big gain that so many football lovers have been present for the game.”

The camp was inaugurated by the state sports minister Arup Biswas. A novel, written by sports journalist Arghya Bandopadhyay on the tragic incident that happened at the Eden Gardens 43 years ago on 16th August in 1980 was also launched by the state sports minister. City’s several football personalities were present on the occasion.