In a significant development for Indian football, Hyderabad, often referred to as the “City of Pearls,” is set to host the final rounds of the prestigious Santosh Trophy National Football Championship in December.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on October 2, 2024, that this year’s edition would mark Hyderabad’s first time hosting the tournament in 57 years. This event, featuring some of India’s top football teams, offers an exciting opportunity to celebrate regional football pride while reviving the tournament’s historic legacy in Telangana.
Historic Return to Hyderabad
The last time Hyderabad hosted the Santosh Trophy was during the 1966-67 season. In a memorable all-institutional final, Railways claimed victory over Services, marking a significant event in the tournament’s history. Hyderabad’s reappearance as the host for the 78th National Football Championship underscores a historic moment, bringing the tournament back to its roots. The decision to hold the Santosh Trophy finals here reflects AIFF’s commitment to promoting football across India’s diverse states and reviving regional football hubs.
Final Rounds to Begin in December
Hyderabad is gearing up for an exciting December, as the final rounds of the Santosh Trophy are tentatively scheduled for the first week of the month. The host state, Telangana, has received an automatic berth in the final rounds, joining nine other teams that have qualified as group winners. Also securing spots are last year’s finalists, Services and Goa, who are expected to add extra intensity to the competition. Before the finals, teams will navigate the group stages, slated to take place across different cities in November, in an intense battle for spots in the ultimate showdown in Hyderabad.
Group Stage Battles Across India
With teams drawn from every corner of the country, the Santosh Trophy group stage will offer football fans an opportunity to witness some thrilling regional clashes. Divided into nine groups, matches will unfold in various cities, adding to the tournament’s diverse and inclusive appeal. Below is an outline of the groups and scheduled fixtures:
- Group A (Amritsar, Punjab): Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab
Match Dates: November 20, 22, 24 - Group B (Location TBD): Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi
Match Dates: To be confirmed - Group C (Kalyani, West Bengal): Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bengal, Bihar
Match Dates: November 16, 18, 20 - Group D (Agartala, Tripura): Tripura, Manipur, Sikkim, Mizoram
Match Dates: November 15, 17, 19 - Group E (Location TBD): Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland
Match Dates: To be confirmed - Group F (Amritsar, Punjab): Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha
Match Dates: November 21, 23, 25 - Group G (Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh): Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Andaman & Nicobar
Match Dates: November 15, 17, 19 - Group H (Kozhikode, Kerala): Kerala, Pondicherry, Lakshadweep, Railways
Match Dates: November 20, 22, 24 - Group I (Jaipur, Rajasthan): Maharashtra, Gujarat, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Rajasthan
Match Dates: November 16, 18, 20
These group stage encounters will determine which teams advance to the finals in Hyderabad, with each game offering the potential for high-stakes drama.
Telangana: Football’s New Focal Point
As the host association, Telangana will have the advantage of an automatic qualification to the final rounds, giving the home crowd a reason to rally around their team. This provision by AIFF not only honors the host state but also fosters local enthusiasm for the sport. Telangana’s hosting role is expected to invigorate the regional football scene, encouraging local talent and attracting future investment into the sport.
Anticipation Builds for Santosh Trophy Finals
As December approaches, the buzz surrounding the Santosh Trophy finals in Hyderabad is palpable. Fans and players alike are eager to witness the thrilling culmination of India’s most celebrated regional football championship. For Hyderabad, the event symbolizes the return of a legacy, as the city prepares to showcase Indian football’s finest talents on a national stage. The atmosphere promises to be electric, with supporters from all over the country cheering on their teams in pursuit of glory.
The return of the Santosh Trophy to Hyderabad after 57 years is a landmark event for Indian football, blending tradition with the sport’s current evolution. For Telangana and Hyderabad, this hosting role is more than just a privilege—it’s an opportunity to spotlight local passion for football and inspire the next generation of athletes. As the final rounds approach, excitement is mounting for what promises to be a memorable season in Indian football. The Santosh Trophy will not only celebrate sporting excellence but will also reaffirm Hyderabad’s historical place in the annals of Indian football.
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When will Santosh Trophy 2024-25 begin?
November, 2024
