Hyderabad Set to host Santosh Trophy final round in December after 57 years

by FC October 3, 2024

Hyderabad will host the final rounds of the 78^th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy for the first time in 57 years, it was announced by the All India Football Federation on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

In a historic return, Hyderabad will host the final rounds of the 78th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy this December, marking the first time in 57 years that the City of Pearls has held the prestigious tournament. The All India Football Federation made the announcement on October 2, 2024, confirming the event’s tentative scheduling for the first week of December.

The last time Hyderabad hosted the final rounds was in the 1966-67 season, a competition that saw Railways defeat Services in an all-institutional final. The atmosphere then was electric, and with Hyderabad’s football culture thriving, the 2024 edition promises to be equally momentous.

Telangana, as the host association, will receive a direct entry to the final rounds. Alongside Telangana, the winners of nine group stages and last season’s finalists – Services and Goa – will compete in Hyderabad to claim the coveted trophy.

Santosh Trophy Legacy and Recent Editions

The Santosh Trophy holds a special place in Indian football, being a platform where regional talent showcases its prowess. In recent years, states like Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal have dominated. Kerala lifted the trophy in 2021-22 after an intense penalty shootout against Bengal, adding to their historic success.

Later year, the 2022-23 Santosh Trophy saw Karnataka emerge victorious after defeating Meghalaya 3-2 in an exhilarating final. the final was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. And last Year Services were crowned champions after edging out Goa 1-0.