Indian Super League: Sourav Ganguly thrilled with Atletico de Kolkata victory

Atletico de Kolkata co-owner Sourav Ganguly savoured the opening match of the inaugural Indian Super League after watching his side beat Mumbai City 3-0 on Sunday.

The former Indian Test captain was among a host of star-studded guests including Sachin Tendulkar and a number of footballers and Bollywood actors at the Salt Lake Stadium.

A 50,000-strong crowd were treated to a spectacular opening ceremony followed by a convincing win for the home side, but Ganguly is refusing to get carried away by his side’s display.

"I wasn’t really expecting such a strong turnout so I was really happy about that and it was a great opening ceremony,” Ganguly told Sky Sports.

We want to break new ground with this Indian Super League. We want young people to be a part of this just like they want to be a part of cricket.

"The team have prepared well. It’s not an easy ground for a new team to play on with the bounce on this pitch but it’s great we started on a winning note.

"It was a good performance. A 3-0 win is good and I’m happy, but there’s still a long way to go in this tournament."

Ganguly revealed he has always had a passion for football and is confident the sport will become a fundamental part of the sporting landscape in India for years to come.

"I was born here in the city of Kolkata, the city of football in India and that’s where my interest in football started," he said

"We don’t know what the future will be because football will always draw unfair comparisons with cricket in this part of this world, but I am confident it can have its own standing. I absolutely believe football and cricket can both thrive in this country.

"We want to break new ground with this Indian Super League. We want young people to be a part of this just like they want to be a part of cricket."