India Santosh Trophy

The National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy, or simply Santosh Trophy, is an inter-state national football competition contested by the state associations and government institutions under the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the sport's governing body in India. Before the launch of the first national club league, the National Football League in 1996, the Santosh Trophy was considered the top domestic tournament in India. Many players who have represented India internationally, played in the Santosh Trophy. The tournament is held every year with eligible teams divided into zones, play in the qualifying round and can progress into the tournament proper.

The tournament was started in 1941 by the Indian Football Association (IFA), which was the then de facto governing body of football in India. It was named after the former president of the IFA, Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhury, the Maharaja of Santosh who had died aged 61 in 1939. The IFA later donated the Santosh Trophy to the AIFF, soon after its formation as the sport's official governing body in India, and since then AIFF has been organising the tournament. The trophy for the runner-up, Kamala Gupta Trophy, was also donated by the then president of IFA, Dr. S.K. Gupta, and it was named in honour of his wife. The third-place trophy, Sampangi Cup, was donated by the Karnataka State Football Association (then Mysore Football Association) and was named so in the memory of a renowned footballer, Sampangi, who was from Mysore. Until 2018, the tournament was organised as an individual competition, but since 2021, the AIFF rebranded it as the men's senior tier of National Football Championship for the regional teams of various age groups. In September 2022, it was announced that the tournament will be organized on zonal basis.

The Santosh Trophy is one of India's premier national football tournaments, showcasing the best of regional talent and fostering the spirit of competition across the country. Established in 1941, this prestigious tournament is named after the late Maharaja of Santosh, who was a patron of Indian football.

The Santosh Trophy features state teams from across India, each vying for the coveted title and the honor of being crowned the national champions. The tournament typically takes place annually, with teams competing in a series of matches that highlight the rich diversity and passion for football in different regions of the country.

The format of the tournament usually includes a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a thrilling final that captures the attention of football fans nationwide. The Santosh Trophy not only serves as a platform for emerging talent but also plays a crucial role in the development of the sport in India, providing players with invaluable experience and exposure.

Over the years, the tournament has produced numerous footballing legends and has been instrumental in promoting the sport at the grassroots level. With its deep-rooted history and commitment to excellence, the Santosh Trophy continues to be a significant event in the Indian football calendar, celebrating the passion, skill, and camaraderie that define the beautiful game in India.