ONGC F.C. is a popular football club from Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra. The word ONGC stands for "Oil and Natural Gas Corporation". This football team was set up by the public sector undertaking ONGC Ltd and presently plays in the 2nd Division of the I-League.
History of ONGC F.C
In the year 2006, Oil and Natural Corporation wanted to increase their involvement in football and so they created the ONGC FC. ONGC had earlier been the sponsor of Nehru Cup, Durand Cup and National Football League. In the year 2010, ONGC FC won the second division of the I-League and qualified for the first division of the only football league in India (besides Indian Super League).
Qualification to I-League by ONGC FC
The ONGC team had played their first league match against East Bengal and had suffered a defeat. With the new signings like David Opara, the team was expected to do better. On 12th February 2011, ONGC FC shocked league leaders Kingfisher East Bengal F.C. with a marginal win of 1-0. But that win however did not help the team further in the league as they finished 13th in the competition, but they were successful in creating an upset.
Finishing at the end of the league table meant that they had to be relegated to the second division again.
ONGC began their mission for a comeback to the I-League by entering the 2012 I-League 2nd Division. They immediately made an impact after finishing the group stage in first place in their group and entered the final round as automatic contenders. After a tough 12 matches in Siliguri and Sikkim ONGC again finished in a promotion spot, 2nd place, and thus qualified for the 2012-13 I-League which was confirmed on 17th April 2012 after the club drew 1-1 with Aizwal. ONGC finished the season on 9th position.
ONGC F.C. - Overview
The team ONGC F.C is actually promoted by the business giant ONGC Ltd. The company is also the primary sponsor of the Indian Football League.
The team is currently registered under the Western India Football Association (WIFA) which is also under the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
For practice sessions the club generally uses the Mumbai Port Sports Council`s BPT Ground. However, for the purpose of competitive matches the club uses the Cooperage Ground.
Awards and Accolades of ONGC FC
ONGC FC won the I-League second division in the year 2010 and runners up in the year 2012. They had also won the All India Gorkha Brigade cup (popularly known as Darjeeling Gold Cup) in 2014 and runners up of the Durand Cup in 2013. Besides that, they have also won the All India Kalinga Cup in 2014.
