In a groundbreaking development for Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced the launch of the Kalinga Super Cup, a tournament that will bring together teams from both the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League. Scheduled to kick off on January 9, 2024, and culminate in a grand final on January 28, the competition holds the key to the prestigious AFC Champions League 2 Preliminary Stage for the eventual victors.
The AIFF revealed the tournament format, featuring sixteen teams divided into four groups. Each group will engage in single-leg matches, with the group winners progressing to the semifinals, ultimately leading to the championship clash. This innovative approach aims to infuse excitement and competitiveness into the domestic football scene.
A significant aspect of the Kalinga Super Cup is the inclusion of I-League teams, who will undergo qualifiers for a chance to secure one of the four reserved slots in the group stage. This integration promises a more inclusive and comprehensive competition, showcasing the depth of talent across Indian football.
The ultimate prize at stake is a ticket to the AFC Champions League 2 Preliminary Stage in the 2023-24 season. The AIFF, in a statement, emphasized that the champions of the Kalinga Super Cup would be nominated to represent India in this prestigious continental competition.
Kalyan Chaubey, the President of the AIFF, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion and rebranding of the annual Super Cup into the Kalinga Super Cup. “This is a positive development for Indian domestic football,” Chaubey remarked. “I am confident the Kalinga Super Cup will be a huge hit both in terms of organization and spectator interest.”
With the tournament set to unfold at two venues in the football-loving state of Odisha, the Kalinga Super Cup not only promises intense on-field action but also heralds a new era for Indian football, fostering unity between ISL and I-League teams and providing an elevated platform for players to showcase their skills on the continental stage. As the footballing community eagerly awaits the kickoff in January 2024, the Kalinga Super Cup has the potential to reshape and elevate the landscape of Indian footbal
