East Bengal Club after its establishment in 1920 has made records after records in Indian football. The Club’s performance not only was limited to Indian football, but from the late 1940s and early 1950s, the team gathered respect at abroad. The Club acquired a rich heritage of performing well against foreign Club sides.
In 1948 East Bengal defeated Chinese Olympic XI by 2-0. Appa Rao and saley scored the two historic goals. In 1951 they defeated F.C. Gotheburg (Sweden) 1-0. Saleh was the goal scorer.
In 1952, East Bengal was the first Indian team to earn the unique distinction of being adjudged the Best Soccer Club by the English F.A. annual almanac of 1951-52. This honour cemented the way for invitation being accorded to the club to tour Soviet Union and Romania as the first Indian football team.
In 1953, East Bengal Club is the only club in India who was invited by Romania Youth Festival Committee to participate in their football tournament at Bucharest. The club was recommended the best football club of India by the then President of India, Late Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the same year.
