Itanagar: In a historic moment, the Secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA), Kipa Ajay, proudly unveiled the iconic 1941 Santosh Trophy at the Arunachal Press Club. The timeless trophy, steeped in history since its inception, will take center stage as 12 teams gear up for the prestigious tournament set to commence on February 21 at the Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium in Yupia.
Defending champions Karnataka, along with 11 other formidable teams, are poised to compete for the coveted trophy in what promises to be an exhilarating tournament. Notably, this edition will witness matches played under floodlights for the first time, with thorough preparations already in progress.
Intensive practice sessions are underway at various venues, including the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Naharlagun, the Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy in Itanagar, and the NERIST football ground in Nirjuli.
APFA Vice President John Neelam revealed that after a meticulous selection process from a pool of 200 players, Arunachal’s team has been finalized with 22 talented individuals. The opening match will see the host, Arunachal Pradesh, face off against Goa. The players are undergoing rigorous training under expert coaches, aiming to showcase an impressive performance throughout the tournament.
Tickets for the matches will be available online, offering convenient access for football enthusiasts eager to witness the thrilling encounters.
APFA Vice President Likha Tapu urged the people of Arunachal Pradesh to come out in large numbers, marking the state’s inaugural hosting of the Santosh Trophy Championship final round. This historic event is poised to be a significant milestone for football in the northeastern region.