Kolkata/IBNS, May 22 -- Tears flowed, the Red and Gold scarves swirled in the air and decades of pain disappeared into one unforgettable night as East Bengal finally reclaimed their place at the summit of Indian football.

When the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted into scenes of pure emotion. Players collapsed to the ground, fans embraced in disbelief and chants of "East Bengal, East Bengal" thundered around the packed arena.

Mohammed Rashid emerged as the unlikely hero with the decisive winner in the 72nd minute after league top scorer Youssef Ezzejjari had brought East Bengal level early in the second half, cancelling out Alfred Planas' 14th-minute strike for Inter Kashi with a 50th-minute goal of his own.

The victory ensured E...