Football fever grips Kolkata as Qatar FIFA World Cup kicks off

Football fever grips Kolkata as Qatar FIFA World Cup kicks off

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   As the FIFA World Cup 2022 Tournament kicks off at Qatar's Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday, Kolkata gears up for the celebration. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)

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   Football aficionados in Kolkata, which is also known as India’s Football Mecca, release paper-made sky lanterns (fanush )to mark the opening day of the Qatar World Cup football Tournament on Sunday. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

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   Even the city’s walls are adorned with the images of some of the world’s leading footballers including the likes of Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

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   One of the painted murals even features several hands holding a globe that represents football-playing countries like the 2014 tournament's host Brazil. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

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   City lanes in Kolkata are also decked up in different colours to celebrate the football championship. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

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   The wall paintings bear the symbols of football teams from various countries across the world. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

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   Lanterns with impression of Lionel Messi were seen floating in the air, a fitting tribute to the Argentinian footballer who will be playing his last World Cup this year. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

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   One of the more prominent lanterns even carried a banner that included not only the official logo for the Qatar World Cup but also the flags of all participating countries. (Express photo by Partha Paul)