Santosh Trophy Takes a Historic Leap to Arunachal Pradesh

The prestigious National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy is poised to create history once again, this time by hosting its matches in Arunachal Pradesh. Known for its tradition of breaking new ground, exemplified by organizing the final-four stage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the tournament continues to evolve. Karnataka clinched the championship in Saudi Arabia after a 54-year gap, marking a significant milestone. Now, the spotlight turns to Arunachal Pradesh, as the nation’s premier state football tournament ventures into uncharted territory. Despite the challenges posed by the ever-changing landscape of the tournament, teams like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Delhi, Mizoram, and Railways are gearing up with a blend of young talents and experienced players. The tournament promises intense competition, and the teams are ready to showcase their skills in Arunachal Pradesh.

In Group B, Maharashtra emerges as one of the favorites, boasting an impressive goal-scoring record of 24 goals in five group stage matches. With talents like Himanshu Patil, Nikhil Kadam, and Advait, along with the addition of Asian Games squad member Azfar Noorani, Maharashtra aims to continue their scoring prowess. Manipur, known for its free-scoring style, has a youthful squad led by head coach Thangjam Saran Singh, featuring forwards Phijam Sanathoi Meetei and Wangkheimayum Sadananda Singh. Delhi, with a solid defense that secured three 1-0 wins in the group stage, is another contender with a well-balanced squad. The tournament promises excitement as it unfolds in the scenic landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, offering football enthusiasts a unique and thrilling experience.