ads ads

West Bengal Secures Record 33rd Santosh Trophy Title with Hansda’s Heroics

West Bengal reclaimed its dominance in the Santosh Trophy, clinching its 33rd title with a dramatic 1-0 win over Kerala in the final of the 78th edition at Hyderabad’s GMC Balayogi Stadium. The decisive goal came from prolific striker Robi Hansda in the 90+4th minute, as he capitalized on Manotos Maji’s header to score from close range. This marked Hansda’s 12th goal of the tournament, earning him the Tulsidas Balaram Player of the Match and Peter Thangaraj Player of the Tournament awards.

Both teams played cautiously, with Kerala relying on counterattacks and Bengal missing its key striker Naro Hari Shrestha due to injury. Despite limited offensive opportunities, Hansda’s late heroics sealed the victory for Bengal, avoiding extra time or penalties.


West Bengal coach Sanjoy Sen expressed pride in bringing the trophy back to Kolkata after seven years, praising the young team for its resilience and determination. Hansda dedicated his match-winning performance to his father, emphasizing the emotional significance of the victory.

The tightly contested match may not be remembered for its overall quality, but the thrilling climax and Hansda’s individual brilliance will leave a lasting impression. Bengal’s win solidifies its unmatched legacy in the Santosh Trophy, maintaining its reputation as a football powerhouse in India.

Related Sports

Virat Kohli Set to End 12-Year Ranji Trophy Hiatus in Delhi’s Match Against Railways

Virat Kohli is set to make his much-awaited return to the Ranji Trophy after 12 years. The star batter will represent Delhi in their final league match against Railways, starting January 30. Kohli, who was unavailable for Delhi's match against Saurashtra due to neck stiffness, has confirmed his participation, according to sources within the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).Kohli last played in the Ranji Trophy during the 2012-13 season, scoring 57 runs against Uttar Pradesh. In his 23 Ranji appearances, Kohli has amassed 1,574 runs at an impressive average of 50.77, including five centuries. His standout season was in

Read More

India’s Spin-Centric Strategy for Champions Trophy 2025: A Bold Gamble?

India’s squad selection for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 reflects a bold reliance on spinners, a tactic helmed by captain Rohit Sharma and the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee. With games scheduled at the Dubai International Stadium, a venue historically favoring pacers, the decision to include four specialist spinners—Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar—over additional pacers is a strategic gamble. The spin-heavy approach builds on the success of last year’s ICC Trophy campaign, where Kuldeep and Axar were pivotal with their performances. Rohit emphasizes the versatility of the spinners, branding them as “spinning all-rounders” capable of contributing with

Read More

Bumrah, Shami Included in India's Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

India has announced its 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, led by Rohit Sharma with Shubman Gill as vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Hardik Pandya, all returning from injuries, are the key inclusions. Notably, Yashasvi Jaiswal, yet to make his ODI debut, has been selected as a potential opening option, adding left-handed versatility to the squad.Bumrah's inclusion remains conditional on his recovery from a back spasm, which he suffered during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he impressed with 32 wickets at an average of 13.06. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana has been drafted as his replacement for the preceding three-match

Read More