The prestigious Santosh Trophy football tournament has returned to Hyderabad after 57 years. The competition kicked off today at Srinidhi Football Club, bringing excitement to fans of the sport. In the opening match, Manipur secured a narrow 1-0 victory against the Services team.
The tournament was inaugurated by several distinguished guests, including Sports Authority Chairman Shivsena Reddy, Managing Director Smt. Soni Baladevi, All India Football Federation Secretary General Anil Kumar, Telangana Football Association Secretary GP Falguna, and Deputy Directors Ashok Kumar and Smt. Sujatha. Their presence marked a significant moment, as Hyderabad once again hosts one of India’s premier football competitions.
In another game, Telangana and Rajasthan ended their match in a 1-1 draw, keeping the day’s excitement alive. Later tonight, West Bengal will face Jammu & Kashmir at 7:30 PM, ensuring more action for football enthusiasts.
During the opening ceremony, Sports Authority Chairman Shivsena Reddy expressed his excitement about the event. He emphasized how hosting the Santosh Trophy, along with other tournaments like the Intercontinental Cup and FIFA-friendly matches, will help revive Hyderabad’s football legacy. He also highlighted Telangana’s growing reputation as a key destination for national and international sports events.
Looking ahead, tomorrow promises more thrilling matches in Group B. Kerala will take on Goa at 9 AM, followed by Tamil Nadu facing Meghalaya at 2:30 PM, and Delhi playing against Odisha at 7:30 PM. These fixtures are expected to draw significant attention from fans.
All matches leading up to the quarter-finals will be held at Srinidhi Football Club in Aziznagar. The semi-finals are scheduled for December 29, with the grand finale set to take place at Gachibowli Stadium on December 31. Football fans can look forward to an exciting conclusion to the tournament.
