By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC and Ar-Hima would be among the 12 teams who would feature in the 116th IFA Shield football tournament which would kick off at Kolkata on Saturday.
Apart from the two teams from Shillong, the other teams taking part in the tournament are East Bengal, Bhawanipore SC, Pune FC, Paillan Arrows, Mumbai FC, Aryan Club, Prayag United, Chirag United, Aryan Club, Southern Samity and Brazilian Premier League club Botafogo FC.
Infact Botafogo would be the star attraction in the tournament and are touted as the biggest threat in the to the participating I-League sides.
Shillong Lajong are placed in the same group as East Bengal and Bhawanipore SC while Ar-Hima are with Pailan Arrows and Pune FC.
The winner will get 20 lakh while runners-up will take home15 lakh. Two semi finalist teams will get Rs 5 lakh each. The best player of the tournament will get Rs 25 Thousand along with Sailen Manna Trophy and best coach will get Rs 50 thousand and Sir Rahim Trophy. Incidentally, McDowell Mohun Bagan will miss the championship for the first time.
