A fan, overcome with emotion, fell at the feet of East Bengal FC winger Bipin Singh and wept. It was spontaneous, unscripted and deeply human. In a country where such gestures are mostly reserved for cricket's biggest names, the moment stood apart.

"It was a surreal experience," Bipin said while talking to The Assam Tribune. "The emotions of the fans, their tears of joy, meant so much to us. It's a different energy. So it was really special."

The occasion that triggered it: East Bengal's 2-1 win over Inter Kashi on the final day of the ISL season, enough to top the table and clinch their first national league title in 22 years. The last time East Bengal lifted a league trophy was in 2004, when the competition was called the National Football League. Since then, it has gone through multiple avatars, including two stints as the I-League and the current Indian Super League, but the title had stayed away from the red and gold. Until now.

Bipin, who joined from Mumbai City FC ahead of this season, was central to the triumph. In 13 appearances, he scored twice and provided three assists, including one in the decisive final match.

"It's a huge honour to be part of a legacy club that has existed for more than 100 years and carries such a massive support base," said the 31-year-old from Manipur. "To help East Bengal win their first national title after 22 years is really special."

The contrast with his previous club was not lost on him. Mumbai City were a fine side, he acknowledged, but Kolkata was different in kind.

"The support for the game and the players has been enormous. Earlier, it was either closed-door games or away matches, but this time it was in front of the home crowd. The love we received was huge. It motivates us to give our best."

Much of that collective effort, Bipin felt, was built off the pitch as much as on it. "The bonding among the players was so strong. Going out for dinner together, sharing moments, all of that helped us function as a unit."

He also credited head coach Oscar Bruzon, whose straightforward approach, he said, earned the trust of the dressing room. "Oscar has a clear methodology. He wins the trust of players, and the players are ready to give everything for him."

For Bipin personally, the ISL title was his fifth. He won two ISL league titles and two ISL Shields with Mumbai City FC, along with the Durand Cup in 2022. But this one, he suggested, carried a different weight.

Contracted with East Bengal until 2027 and with seven India caps to his name, he is looking ahead with purpose. He hopes a full-fledged league structure takes shape and said the team would aim to go one better next season.

But for now, the memory of a fan in tears at Kishore Bharati Krirangan stays with him. Some things in football, no trophy cabinet can quite capture.