New Delhi, April 25 : Diamond Harbour Football Club (DHFC), have postponed their victory march that was scheduled for Sunday, April 27. The celebratory procession was to mark the club's historic I-League 2 title win and their promotion to the I-League.

However, in light of the tragic terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, DHFC's Chief Patron, Abhishek Banerjee, announced the event's indefinite postponement as a mark of respect for the victims.

"Diamond Harbour Football Club was set to celebrate a historic triumph; being crowned I-League 2 Champions and qualifying for the I-League with a Victory March on Sunday, 27th April. However, in light of the tragic Pahalgam attack, our Chief Patron Abhishek Banerjee has decided to postpone the event indefinitely as a mark of respect. We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families," the club said in a statement.

The decision came less than 24 hours after DHFC etched its name in the history books with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Chanmari FC at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizwal. A late 85th-minute goal by Rabi Mandi, courtesy of a beautiful swirling delivery from the left wing, sealed the title for the West Bengal-based outfit.

Heading into the match, DHFC needed just a point to secure the championship. With that win, they not only lifted the I-League 2 trophy but extended their unbeaten run in the competition to 15 matches - comprising 11 wins and 4 draws. Earlier in the season, DHFC had won the I-League 3 title to earn promotion to the second division.

Now, with their place in the I-League secured, Diamond Harbour FC joins an elite list of West Bengal clubs to play in the national league ' following the iconic East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan Sporting, all of whom have transitioned to the Indian Super League.

/IANS