We're almost one month away from world's most celebrated footballing extravaganza - the FIFA World Cup - with kick off on 14th June as hosts Russia take on Saudi Arabia.
As football fans across the globe gear up to cheer their favourite teams, the sport is increasingly gaining attention even in countries such as India where cricket is known as a religion.
Among them are Pannalal and Chaitali Chaterjee, an elderly couple from Kolkata. They are such avid fans of the game that they have attended the last 9 FIFA World Cups.
India has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup (barring the 1950 tournament), and its dream of playing in the tournament is still far away from reality, yet many in India are increasingly accepting football as their favourite sport.
Football fans Pannalal and Chaitalee Source: Partha Mukhopadhyay
Speaking to SBS Gujarati, 84-year-old Pannalal Chaterjee says that he started following the 'beautiful game' of football from his childhood and has been involved in football administration and volunteering roles since 1970.
"One of my friends gifted me the tickets for the 1982 World Cup which was held in Spain," he says. "So my love affair with the World Cup began more than three decades ago, and since then my wife Chaitali and I have attended all the 9 editions."
Saving up
Though the FIFA World Cup is held every four years, it's still a costly affair. So how did the Chaterjees manage to do it for almost three decades?
The couple lives off Pannalal's pension of Rs. 7500 ($149 AUD) and save each penny to afford their trips. He told SBS that he usually skips eating his favourite fish and tries to keep his stomach half empty.
His wife, 77-year-old Chaitali earns a bit of money from her saree business.
The couple has witnessed 9 World Cups so far.
"The final of 1986 World Cup between Argentina and West Germany was one of the best matches we have ever seen where captain Maradona took Argentina to a famous victory and lifted the World Cup," says Chaitali.
"On the other hand, our joy turned into sadness when host Brazil were hammered 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup," Pannalal adds.
'The best moment'
Pannalal is a big fan of former Brazilian star Pele while his wife Chaitali's favourite player is Argentinian legend, Maradona.
"Enjoying every moment of the game," Pannalal says.
"We met Pele at one of the matches in the World Cup," Chaitali says, ".. and that moment is the most memorable moment of our footballing journey."
