Santosh Trophy: Kerala to hold Final Round

The 75th edition of the Senior Men's National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy will kick-off on February 20-March 6 in Kerala with the Government of Kerala hosting the ten teams who have qualified for the final round.

"We are grateful to the Government of Kerala for their exceptional support in taking Indian Football forward together. The AIFF values support coming in from the State Governments, and we look for a long-term fruitful relationship," All India Football Federation General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das, who graced the occasion, averred.

AIFF Deputy General Secretary Mr. Abhishek Yadav was also present.

"The Santosh Trophy is an integral part of the Indian Football calendar and the AIFF values the passion surrounding the tournament. This is the Platinum Jubilee year, and as we look back at the majestic history of the tournament, together with the support of the Government of Kerala, we aim to make it a grand success," the General Secretary added.

The draw for the Hero Santosh Trophy will be held in the first week of January 2022.

The AIFF had earlier announced a collaboration with the Government of Kerala on multiple football development projects including the successful hosting of the Senior Women's National Championships which concluded earlier this month.

In fact, the Indian Senior Women's National Team are also currently undergoing preparation in Kochi for the forthcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 with infrastructural aid coming in from the Government of Kerala.

The participating teams in the 75th edition of the Senior Men's National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy are as follows:

Teams from North zone: Services and Punjab.

Teams from North East zone: Meghalaya and Manipur.

Teams from South zone: Karnataka and Kerala (hosts).

Teams from West zone: Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Teams from East zone: Odisha and West Bengal.