| Date | R | Home v Away | - |
|---|
Teams
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Mohun Bagan U19
East Bengal U19
Mohammedan SC U19
Tata U19
Sail Academy Bokaro U19
Patha Chakra U19
Bengal Academy U19
AIFF EA U19
Pune FC U19
Atletico de Kolkata U19
Churchill Brothers U19
Real Kashmir FC
Railways FC
Sreenidi Deccan
Kidderpore SC
Tata Football Academy U19
Mohammedan SC
Minerva Punjab U19
ATK U19
Indian Arrows
Gokulam Kerala FC
Kalighat MS
Aryan FC
Wikipedia - IFA Shield
The IFA Shield is an annual football competition organized by the Indian Football Association, the football governing body in the Indian state of West Bengal. The IFA came into existence in 1893, and was named after the association. The IFA Shield tournament was started in the same year. It is the third oldest football tournament in India, after Durand Cup and Trades Cup, and is among the oldest football competitions in the world.
History
The royal houses of Patiala and Cooch Behar, A.A. Apcar of Armenian Club and J Sutherland of Dalhousie AC had financially contributed for the inception of the Shield. The coveted shield was designed by Walter Locke & Co. (Calcutta) and made by Messrs Elkington & Co. (London).
During the initial years of the competition, the IFA Shield was dominated by British Army teams and the Royal Irish Rifles defeated W.D.R.A. to lift the first IFA Shield in 1893. However, their stranglehold over the Shield was broken in 1911, when Mohun Bagan became the first all-Indian side to win the IFA Shield by defeating East Yorkshire Regiment by 2–1. That was a historic moment for Indian football as well the struggle for independence, as the natives beat the Englishmen in their own game. While the Royal Irish Rifles remains the most successful British Army side with 5 titles, East Bengal Club has won the IFA Shield a record 29 times.
From 2015 to 2018, the IFA Shield was designed as an youth tournament wherein youth teams of all divisions were allowed to participate. The decision was taken by IFA due to busy schedule of AIFF which includes Indian Super League, I-League, I-League 2nd Division, State leagues and Super Cup among others. In 2020, the tournament was once again organised as a senior event.
The India IFA Shield attracts top football clubs from across India, as well as international teams from neighboring countries. It serves as a platform for teams to showcase their skills and compete for the coveted title. The tournament features a knockout format, with teams battling it out in intense matches to progress to the next round.
Matches are held in various stadiums across West Bengal, including the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, which has a seating capacity of over 85,000 spectators. The tournament provides a thrilling atmosphere for both players and fans, with passionate supporters filling the stands and creating an electric atmosphere.
The India IFA Shield has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in Indian football history. It has been a breeding ground for young talents, with many players using the tournament as a stepping stone to professional careers both domestically and internationally. The tournament has also seen fierce rivalries between clubs, adding an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the matches.
The India IFA Shield not only promotes the sport of football but also contributes to the development of the game in India. It provides a platform for young players to gain exposure and experience at a competitive level. The tournament also serves as a means to foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among players and teams.
Overall, the India IFA Shield is a highly anticipated event in the Indian football calendar. It showcases the passion, talent, and competitiveness of the sport, while also celebrating the rich footballing heritage of the country.