| Santosh Trophy | |
| COUNTRY | CHANNEL |
| India | B4X SPORTS |
| U.S | - |
| Italy | - |
| Japan | - |
| France | - |
| Singapore | Bein Sports Singapore,Bein Sports Connect |
| Middle East | Bein Sports Premium 1 |
| Ghana, Nigeria | SuperSport Maximo 1, DStv |
| Myanmar | Sky Net |
| Spain | Movistar + |
About Santosh Trophy.
The Santosh Trophy is a prestigious national football competition in India, organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). It is one of the oldest and most significant domestic football tournaments in the country.
Here are key details about the Santosh Trophy:
1. History and Origin
The tournament was first held in 1941 and was named after Santosh Kumar, a former Maharaja of Patiala and a philanthropist who contributed to the development of football in India.
Initially, the competition was meant to promote football at the regional level in India, with teams representing states or regional associations.
2. Format
The Santosh Trophy is typically contested by state teams, representing different regions of India. Over the years, the number of participating teams has grown, and now it includes all 36 states and union territories.
Teams compete in a knockout format, with a league stage leading into semi-finals and finals.
The matches are usually held in a home-and-away format for earlier rounds, but the final stages may be played at neutral venues, which often varies each year.
3. Competition and Popularity
The Santosh Trophy is significant for its role in discovering local football talent in India, many of whom go on to represent the national team.
Historically, teams from West Bengal, Punjab, Kerala, Goa, and Services have been strong contenders and champions.
Though it has faced challenges with its visibility in recent years, it remains an important platform for nurturing young footballers.
4. Recent Developments
In recent years, the Santosh Trophy has had to adapt to modern football standards with changes in the format and some of the competition's commercial and media visibility.
It plays an important role in the development of state-level football and is considered crucial for the growth of the sport at the grassroots level.
5. Impact on Indian Football
The tournament has played a key role in the growth and development of Indian football by providing a platform for local players to showcase their talent.
Several Indian football stars have gained prominence through their performance in the Santosh Trophy.
It has also contributed to the success of the Indian national team by producing talented players who have later represented the country on the international stage.
Despite facing competition from the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League, the Santosh Trophy remains an important aspect of India's football ecosystem.