Baby Chakraborty, Claim News, January 3, 2025, KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee celebrated the historic victory of the Bengal football team in the Santosh Trophy, ending the state’s long wait. In Tuesday’s final, Bengal beat Kerala 1-0 to clinch the coveted title, with Ravi Hansda scoring the decisive goal in the final minutes of the match. The victory marked Bengal’s first Santosh Trophy win since the 2016-17 season, ending a string of disappointments, including two final defeats and an early exit last season.

On Thursday, the Chief Minister gave a warm welcome to the victorious footballers at the Nabana meeting hall. Banerjee, who had expressed her joy on social media soon after the win, took a moment to honor the team’s achievement. In a heartfelt Facebook post, he congratulated the players and coaching staff highlighting the contribution of Ravi Hansda, who not only scored the match-winning goal but was also the tournament’s top scorer with 13 goals, winning the Golden Boot. emerged as Banerjee wrote, “A quick goal from tournament top scorer Ravi Hansda sealed the win. Heartiest congratulations to coach Sanjay Sen, captain Chikku Mundi, and the entire team, management and staff for this historic achievement.” Bengal shines as the center of Indian football and many great moments await.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister gave special gifts to each member of the championship winning squad and announced a government job for each player. The announcement was met with applause, which appreciated the hard work and dedication of the players. Additionally, Banerjee revealed that the West Bengal government will provide a special financial package to further reward his success.

The victory is being seen as a revival of Bengal’s footballing prowess, bringing the state back to the forefront of Indian football after years of struggle. The Sanjay Sen-coached team was widely praised for their determination and skill throughout the tournament, and their victory has undoubtedly reignited the passion for football in the region.