The 78th edition of the Santosh Trophy national football championship saw West Bengal reclaim its position as undisputed champions, clinching the title for a record 33rd time. The match-winner came from Robi Hansda in added time of the second half, securing a 1-0 win for West Bengal against Kerala in an intense final match. The victory was a result of the team's exceptional performance throughout the tournament.
The defending champion Services team faced a crushing defeat at the hands of Bengal in the semifinals of the Santosh Trophy national football championship. Despite intense pressure from Services, Bengal managed to maintain control of the game and secure a 4-2 victory with a late goal. This win marks Bengal's 47th entry into the final and solidifies their position as the most successful team in Santosh Trophy history with 32 championship wins.
The Santosh Trophy, named after a renowned Indian Maharaja, is a prestigious football tournament that has been a cornerstone of Indian football since 1941. With its focus on state and union territory teams, it fosters a spirit of camaraderie and serves as a platform for young talents to catch the eye of scouts and potential selection for professional clubs and national teams. Despite the rise of professional leagues, the Santosh Trophy remains a treasured relic of India's diverse footballing culture and grassroots foundations.
In a thrilling match, Kerala emerged victorious against Assam with a score of 3-1 in the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship. Midfielder K Abdu Raheem and Sajeesh E scored in the 19th and 67th minute respectively, while captain Nijo Gilbert sealed the win in added time. Assam's Dipu Mirdha scored a consolation goal in the 77th minute, but it wasn't enough to overcome Kerala's strong performance.