The Santosh Trophy is only an amateur football tournament these days. Professionals ply their trade in the I-League. The quality of the Santosh Trophy is going down with each passing year. Spectators are not enthusiastic about the national football championship because of the absence of star players. But one state’s love affair with the tournament is still going strong. For Kerala, the Santosh Trophy is a valuable event. Players and fans are passionate about it.
Even though I-League clubs certainly play attractive football than Santosh Trophy teams, the national championship in Kochi last year attracted more fans than the ongoing Federation Cup for professional clubs at the same venue. Fans are able to relate to the state players better. The Kerala state team represents the whole state unlike an I-League club. Media coverage is excellent for Santosh Trophy in Kerala.
A.M. Sreedharan, who is here as Kerala’s coach for the south zone qualifiers, said the Santosh Trophy is like a festival for fans back home. “From top politicians to fans, everyone follows the national football championship. I remember the state government declaring a public holiday after Kerala won the Santosh Trophy in the 90s,” he added. Union minister Shashi Tharoor inaugurated the Santosh Trophy camp this year.
Winning the national football championship is the dream of many Kerala players, according to Sreedharan. “Finding a place in the Kerala team is always difficult. I feel there are better players in the State squad than in the I-League. Many parents and players in Kerala prefer a safe job to an I-League contract. Doing well in the Santosh Trophy could pave the way for a job with AG’s Office, Electricity Board, Police or State Bank of Travancore,” he said.
Top performers in the Santosh Trophy become household names in Kerala. Fans adore them for doing Kerala proud. “Apart from jobs and fame, a good show in the Santosh Trophy also fetches monetary benefits. A lot of people recognise a Santosh Trophy winner in our state,” the seasoned coach said.
Famous all-India tournaments in Kerala have ceased to exist. But fans’ appetite to watch football, especially in north Kerala, hasn’t gone down.
