Football
West Bengal CM honours Santosh Trophy winners with jobs and financial reward
The Bengal team won their 33rd Santosh Trophy title by defeating Kerala 1-0 in the final held in Hyderabad.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee honored the state’s Santosh Trophy-winning football team with jobs and a financial reward.
The ceremony took place in Kolkata on Friday, where the players were praised for their victory in the 78th National Football Championship.
Each team member was offered a job in the state’s sports department, and the Chief Minister announced a ₹50 lakh financial package for the team.
Speaking at the event, Mamata Banerjee said, “These young talents have made Bengal proud and deserve our full support.”
The Bengal team won their 33rd Santosh Trophy title by defeating Kerala 1-0 in the final held in Hyderabad.
Robi Hansda scored the winning goal, continuing Bengal’s legacy as a football powerhouse.
West Bengal's victory in the Santosh Trophy final against Kerala marked their record 33rd championship win.
The team showcased remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, securing nine wins and one draw in their campaign.
The final, held at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad, ended 2-0 in Bengal’s favor, cementing their status as the most successful team in Santosh Trophy history.
This victory continues Bengal’s rich legacy in Indian football. The state has reached the final 47 times, a testament to its dominance and the talent emerging from its grassroots programs.
The Chief Minister also lauded the coaching staff and support team for their efforts. She encouraged the players to keep striving for excellence and bring further glory to the state on national and international stages.
The rewards aim to encourage more youth in Bengal to take up sports and achieve success at the national level.