The Santosh Trophy is India’s most prestigious national football championship, contested by state associations and government institutions. The tournament has a rich history, dating back to 1941, and has been a launching pad for many Indian footballers. In this article, we will provide an overview of the Santosh Trophy, its history, format, and the latest news and updates.
History of the Santosh Trophy
The Santosh Trophy was founded in 1941 by the Indian Football Association (IFA), with the first tournament held in Kolkata. The trophy was donated by the late Maharaja Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Bahadur of Santosh, who was a renowned football enthusiast. Over the years, the tournament has grown in stature, with more teams participating and the competition becoming increasingly fierce.
Format of the Santosh Trophy
The Santosh Trophy is contested by state associations and government institutions from across India. The tournament is divided into several stages:
- Qualifying Round: The qualifying round features teams that do not have a direct entry into the main tournament. These teams compete in a round-robin format, with the top teams advancing to the next stage.
- Group Stage: The group stage features 10 teams divided into two groups of five teams each. Each team plays the other teams in their group, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals.
- Semifinals: The semifinals feature the top two teams from each group, with the winners advancing to the final.
- Final: The final is contested between the winners of the semifinals, with the winning team being crowned the champion.
Latest News and Updates
The latest edition of the Santosh Trophy is currently underway, with teams competing in the qualifying round and group stage. Here are some of the latest news and updates from the tournament:
- Kerala and West Bengal Advance to Semifinals: Kerala and West Bengal have advanced to the semifinals of the Santosh Trophy, after topping their respective groups in the group stage.
- Punjab and Goa in Relegation Battle: Punjab and Goa are in a relegation battle, after failing to win any of their matches in the group stage.
- Services and Maharashtra Secure Quarterfinal Spots: Services and Maharashtra have secured their quarterfinal spots, after winning their respective matches in the qualifying round.
Live Streaming and Telecast
The Santosh Trophy is being live-streamed on various platforms, including:
- DD Sports: DD Sports is broadcasting the Santosh Trophy live on its channel.
- YouTube: The Santosh Trophy is being live-streamed on the Indian Football YouTube channel.
- Facebook: The Santosh Trophy is being live-streamed on the Indian Football Facebook page.
Conclusion
The Santosh Trophy is India’s premier national football championship, with a rich history and a reputation for producing talented footballers. The latest edition of the tournament is currently underway, with teams competing in the qualifying round and group stage. With live streaming and telecast available on various platforms, football fans can catch all the action from the comfort of their homes.