By Our Reporter
Shillong, Nov 30: In the draw for the Final Round of the 77th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy 2023-24, Meghalaya finds itself grouped with former champions Goa, Services, Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam.
The draw, conducted at the Football House on Thursday, placed these teams together in Group A.
Meanwhile, Group B consists of defending champion Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, Manipur, Mizoram, and Railways. The event, tentatively scheduled from February 21 to March 9, 2024, promises an intense competition among the participating teams.
The final round features 12 qualified teams, strategically divided into two groups of six each. Group A comprises six group stage winners – Goa, Delhi, Manipur, Assam, Services, and Maharashtra. Additionally, the three best second-placed teams, namely Kerala, Mizoram, and Railways, have earned their spots. The three automatic qualifiers include hosts Arunachal Pradesh, last season’s champions Karnataka, and finalists Meghalaya.
Notably, this edition marks a historic first, as the Santosh Trophy will take place in Arunachal Pradesh, breaking a tradition dating back to its inception in 1941. The tournament introduces a new format with an expanded knockout stage, where the top four teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, promising an even more thrilling and competitive spectacle for football enthusiasts.
The AIFF Acting Secretary General Satyanarayan M. said, “It’s going to be a very special edition of the Santosh Trophy as we take the tournament to Arunachal Pradesh for the first time. I thank our President Mr Kalyan Chaubey, Treasurer Mr Kipa Ajay and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu for hosting the Santosh Trophy Final Round.”
As the 77th National Football Championship unfolds in the picturesque landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, football enthusiasts eagerly await the clash of titans in Group A.
With an unprecedented venue change and an intensified knockout stage, this edition of the Santosh Trophy promises to be a historic and thrilling spectacle, setting the stage for a memorable tournament that will leave its mark in the annals of Indian football history.
The Santosh Trophy has been a significant part of Indian football history for over eight decades. The competition has played a vital role in the development of Indian football, providing a platform for young players to showcase their talent and for the national team to identify and nurture future stars.