Kolhapur Crowned WIFA Inter District Champions 2024-25

by FC April 30, 2025

In a season defined by comeback Kolhapur penned the last page with an effort that will be etched in the annals of Maharashtra football.

The 2024-25 WIFA Men’s Inter District Championship was wrapped up with Kolhapur upsetting the defending champions and home side Nagpur in a closely fought finale.

Kolhapur’s path to the trophy was anything but straightforward. The campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Amravati, followed by a statement 8-0 victory over Chandrapur that proved crucial for their goal difference. However, a heavy 3-0 defeat to Nagpur in the group stage meant qualification for the knockouts hung in the balance.

That vibrant win against Chandrapur ultimately propelled Kolhapur into the semi-finals, where they faced a formidable Mumbai side that had not conceded a single goal in the group stage. Rising to the occasion, Kolhapur’s young forward Darshan Patil broke through Mumbai’s defense with a brace, sending his team into the final and setting the stage for revenge against Nagpur.

Facing the same Nagpur side that had handed them a 3-0 defeat earlier, Kolhapur displayed both tactical discipline and attacking ruthlessness in the final. Two early goals gave them a cushion, and despite Nagpur’s efforts to rally, Kolhapur’s defense stood tall. The final whistle confirmed Kolhapur’s resurgence and rewarded their perseverance with a well-earned championship.

The Tier-1 championship was notable for the number of young players making an impact. Several talents stood out for their districts, promising a bright future for Maharashtra football.

Notable mentions include:

Notable Players	Notable Players
Kolhapur	Darshan Patil, Shahid Mahalkar
Raigad	Eashan Sartape, Sayyam Desai, Kshitij Maral, Atharva Dede, Om Surve
Aurangabad	Meraj Khan
Mumbai	Mohd. Khatib, Miit Adekar, Chrispin Rayan, Athar Ansari
Pune	Yash Salunke

The players mentioned, all under 21 with a couple under 23, were key assets to the team. They earned valuable minutes during the tier-1 championship, playing alongside experienced teammates. Far from being liabilities, they handled high-pressure situations with maturity, proving their worth and complementing the squad’s overall strength.

Championship in Numbers

Top Scorers:

Player	District	Goals
Mohammad Owais Ashraf	Nagpur	7
Mohammed Arfat Ansari	Mumbai	7
Khurshid Ali	Kolhapur	4
Eashan Sartape	Raigad	3
Meraj Khan	Aurangabad	3

Top Scoring Teams

Team	Matches	Goals Scored	Goals Conceded
Mumbai	5	15	2
Nagpur	5	12	5
Kolhapur	5	13	6

As curtains go down on the WIFA Inter District Championship 2024-25, Kolhapur’s campaign becomes a indication to tenacity, collective effort, and the redemptive wonder of knockout football. With fresh faces making it through and rivalries heating up, Maharashtra’s football future is brighter than ever.

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^{_{~Media Courtesy: WIFA Media}}

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