Wikipedia - Santosh Trophy

The National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy, due to ties with FIFA (from 2024–25), also known as the FIFA Santosh Trophy, or simply Santosh Trophy, is an inter-state national football competition contested by the state associations and government institutions under the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the sport's governing body in India. Before the launch of the first national club league, the National Football League in 1996, the Santosh Trophy was considered the top domestic tournament in India. Many players who have represented India internationally have played and gained honour while playing in the Santosh Trophy. The tournament is held every year with eligible teams who are divided into zones, must play in the qualifying round and can progress into the tournament proper. The current champions are Karnataka, who won their title after 54 years during the 2022–23 edition. This was the first trophy for Karnataka, which had previously won four times as the princely state of Mysore, after 1968-69.

The tournament was started in 1941 by the Indian Football Association (IFA), which was the then de facto governing body of football in India. It was named after the former president of the IFA, Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhury, the Maharaja of Santosh who had died aged 61 in 1939. The IFA later donated the Santosh Trophy to the AIFF, soon after its formation as the sport's official governing body in India, and since then AIFF has been organising the tournament. The trophy for the runner-up, Kamala Gupta Trophy, was also donated by the then president of IFA, Dr. S.K. Gupta, and it was named in honour of his wife. The third-place trophy, Sampangi Cup, was donated by the Karnataka State Football Association (then Mysore Football Association) and was named so in the memory of a renowned footballer, Sampangi, who was from Mysore. Until 2018, the tournament was organised as an individual competition, but since 2021, the AIFF rebranded it as the men's senior tier of National Football Championship for the regional teams of various age groups. In September 2022, it was announced that the tournament will be organized on zonal basis.

The India Santosh Trophy is a prestigious soccer tournament held annually in India. Named after the late Maharaja Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhary of Santosh, the tournament has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1941.

The tournament serves as a platform for showcasing the immense talent and passion for soccer in India. It brings together teams from different states and regions, creating a vibrant atmosphere of competition and camaraderie.

The India Santosh Trophy is organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and is considered one of the most important domestic tournaments in Indian football. It provides an opportunity for players to represent their respective states and showcase their skills on a national stage.

The tournament follows a knockout format, with teams competing fiercely to advance to the next round. The matches are played in various stadiums across the country, attracting a large number of enthusiastic spectators. The tournament culminates in an intense final match, where the two best teams battle it out for the coveted Santosh Trophy.

The India Santosh Trophy not only promotes the sport of soccer but also fosters a sense of unity and pride among the participating states. It serves as a platform for young and talented players to catch the attention of national selectors and potentially earn a spot in the Indian national team.

Over the years, the tournament has witnessed some memorable moments and outstanding performances from players who have gone on to achieve great success in Indian football. It has become a symbol of excellence and a celebration of the beautiful game in India.

The India Santosh Trophy is a true testament to the passion and love for soccer in the country. It continues to inspire and captivate fans, players, and football enthusiasts alike, making it a highly anticipated event in the Indian sporting calendar.