Bengal Chief Minister Honors Santosh Trophy-Winning Team, Announces Government Jobs and Financial Rewards

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 3, 2025, Kolkata : The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, celebrated the historic victory of Bengal’s football team in the Santosh Trophy, a triumph that ended a long wait for the state. Bengal secured the coveted title by defeating Kerala 1-0 in the final on Tuesday, with Ravi Hansda scoring the decisive goal in the final moments of the match. This victory marked Bengal’s first Santosh Trophy win since the 2016-17 season, ending a streak of disappointments, including two final losses and an early exit in the previous season.

The victorious footballers were warmly received by the Chief Minister on Thursday at the Nabanna meeting hall. Banerjee, who had expressed her joy on social media immediately after the win, took a moment to honor the team’s achievement. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she congratulated the players and coaching staff, highlighting the contribution of Ravi Hansda, who not only scored the match-winning goal but also emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 13 goals, earning the Golden Boot. Banerjee wrote, "The victory was confirmed by the swift goal of Ravi Hansda, who scored the most goals in the tournament. Heartiest congratulations to Coach Sanjay Sen, Captain Chaku Mandi, and the entire team, management, and staff for this historic achievement. Bengal is shining as the hub of Indian football. Many more glorious moments await ahead!"

During the meeting, the Chief Minister handed out special gifts to each member of the championship-winning squad and announced a government job for every player. The announcement was met with applause, marking a gesture of appreciation for the players' hard work and dedication. Additionally, Banerjee revealed that the West Bengal government would provide a special financial package to further reward their achievement.

This victory is seen as a resurgence of Bengal’s footballing prowess, bringing the state back to the forefront of Indian football after several years of struggles. The team, coached by Sanjay Sen, received widespread praise for their determination and skill throughout the tournament, and their triumph has undoubtedly rekindled the passion for football in the region.