Bhubaneswar: The eagerly anticipated Kalinga Super Cup, showcasing the prowess of India’s premier football clubs, commenced today at the iconic Kalinga Stadium. Running until 28 January, the tournament promises thrilling matchups and intense competition among the country’s finest teams.
The inauguration of the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 witnessed the presence of Shri Tusharkanti Behera, the Minister of Sports & Youth Services in Odisha, who graced the opening match of Group A between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Sreenidi Deccan FC. Shri Behera, joined by Shri Ashirbad Behera, Secretary of the Football Association of Odisha, extended his best wishes to both teams on the exciting journey ahead.
Post the riveting clash, Shri Jayanarayan Mishra, Hon’ble MLA and Leader of Opposition, Odisha Legislative Assembly, presented the Player of the Match award to Mohun Bagan’s standout performer, Asish Rai.
The tournament’s kickoff featured a gripping Group A encounter between East Bengal FC and Hyderabad FC, culminating in a thrilling 3-2 victory for the former on Pitch 1 earlier today.
Minister Behera expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to host the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 in Bhubaneswar. These are exciting times for us, and hosting consecutive marquee football events aligns with our vision for the sport. I extend a warm welcome to all participating clubs and their passionate fans from across the country.”
With football’s popularity on the ascent, the Sports & Youth Services Department, in collaboration with AIFF & FAO, has spearheaded various initiatives for football development in the state. This includes hosting top-notch national and international football events, establishing world-class infrastructure, and implementing coaching and training programs. Notably, the Pay & Play schemes run by the department focus on providing early exposure to young talents.
The state-of-the-art Odisha Football Academy, Capital Football Arena, and Bhubaneswar Football Academy in the capital city boast FIFA-standard pitches, serving as training grounds for participating teams.
A highlight of the tournament is the defending champions, Odisha FC, who will be fiercely competing for the coveted trophy. The top-ranked team from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the ultimate champion securing a spot in the prestigious 2024-25 AFC Champions League.
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