Bengal’s Santosh Trophy winners appointed in Kolkata Police, awarded Rs 50 lakh by State Government

Bengal’s victorious Santosh Trophy football team was rewarded with Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) positions in the Kolkata Police, as announced by State Sports Minister Aroop Biswas during a felicitation ceremony on Wednesday. The 22-member team, which secured Bengal’s record 33rd Santosh Trophy title by defeating Kerala 1-0 in the final on New Year’s Eve in Hyderabad, was also awarded a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh for their achievement. The ASI appointments are part of the Bengal government’s recognition of the team’s contribution to the state’s football legacy.

The state government’s support for the team follows the significant victory, where Bengal’s dominance in the national football scene was once again reinforced. Minister Biswas spoke about the underrepresentation of Bengali footballers in the Indian national team, noting that only one player, Subhasish Bose, currently represents India. Biswas emphasized the importance of increasing this representation and developing more local talent through initiatives like the Kolkata League, which could provide a stronger foundation for Bengal football’s future. His goal is to have at least six or seven players from Bengal in the national squad.

Bengal’s head coach, Sanjoy Sen, detailed the preparation process that led to the team’s triumph. Sen, who previously guided Mohun Bagan to significant titles, explained that he had scouted players from remote areas of Bengal and selected the final 22 from an initial pool of 40. The players began their training in the lead-up to the tournament, with a two-and-a-half-month training period starting during Dussehra. Sen attributed the team’s success to the players’ dedication and honesty, stressing that sincerity in training is key to achieving great results.

The felicitation ceremony also saw Bhawanipore Club announce a cash award of Rs 3 lakh for the team. In addition, the club revealed plans to establish a junior football academy focused on developing young Bengali footballers. This initiative, to be led by Coach Sanjoy Sen, aims to foster grassroots talent and provide a structured pathway for aspiring footballers in the region. The academy’s objective is to identify and nurture future football stars, ensuring the long-term growth of Bengal football.

Minister Biswas also highlighted the government’s continued focus on improving Bengal’s football infrastructure and talent pipeline. Efforts are being made to ensure that Bengal remains a dominant force in Indian football. The state government has committed to developing new programs for youth football development, expanding facilities, and improving scouting systems to strengthen Bengal’s position in both national and international football.