Itanagar: FIFA president Gianni Infantino has given his nod to attend the final rounds of the upcoming 77th National Championship for Santosh Trophy (Final Round) in Arunachal Pradesh.
The confirmation was relayed by All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey during an executive committee meeting held in New Delhi on Thursday. The information was further shared by AIFF treasurer and Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) secretary Kipa Ajay.
The football extravaganza is slated to unfold against the scenic backdrop of the northeastern state in February-March 2024.
Furthermore, Chaubey in a historic move also announced that the National Football Championship will henceforth be recognized as the “FIFA Santosh Trophy.”
This significant revelation comes in response to an invitation extended earlier in the year by the APFA, led by its president and Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
The invitation aimed to bring FIFA President Infantino to witness the climactic moments of the Santosh Trophy against the backdrop of Arunachal Pradesh’s scenic beauty.
Expressing gratitude for AIFF’s unwavering support, Chaubey underscored the event’s significance not only for local football enthusiasts but also for the broader football community in India.
In a reciprocal gesture, Chief Minister Khandu and the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) extended sincere thanks to Chaubey for his relentless support, acknowledging his pivotal role in realizing this historic moment for Arunachal Pradesh.
“Arunachal Pradesh is all excited to welcome FIFA President Mr Gianni Infantino during the final round of Santosh Trophy scheduled to be held in Feb-March 2024 in the state. Thank you @_AIFF_President Shri @kalyanchaubey ji for your all efforts in ensuring our collective dream becomes a reality,” Khandu said on X.
The FIFA Santosh Trophy is poised to become a landmark event, seamlessly marrying the fervor of local football with the global prestige associated with FIFA.
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