BAMBOLIM: It was an unforgettable day in the memory of Uttar Pradesh-based Inter Kashi Football Club. The owners and their families, team staff and the players, who worked tirelessly for this day, were elated to finally receive the coveted I-League trophy in a small ceremony at the Bambolim Athletic Stadium on Saturday evening.
The ceremony followed a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which upheld Inter Kashi’s appeal and confirmed them as the rightful I-League champions for the 2024–25 season after a dispute with Churchill Brothers. The victory also earned the club direct promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL), marking a major milestone for the Uttar Pradesh side.
Though Inter Kashi lost their final game of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 in group B with Jamshedpur FC 2-0 on Saturday, the trophy made them forget the loss and celebrate their biggest achievement in just two years of the inception of the club.
AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan and the President of the Goa Football Association Caitano Fernandes awarded the trophy and medals to the Inter Kashi team. They also received the prize money, a cheque of Rs one crore.
Elated at receiving the trophy, Chairman of RDB Group of Companies, Vinod Dugar, owner of Inter Kashi, said, “In just two years, our club has shown that with hard work and the right guidance, any team can rise and succeed. India is full of football talent. If we nurture young players through proper academies, they can go on to represent the national team and make India proud on the global stage.”
“When the trophy initially went to Churchill Brothers, we weren’t disappointed. For us, the spirit of football matters more than anything. We respect the AIFF’s authority and the process that followed. The CAS decision brought clarity, and we accepted it gracefully either way,” Dugar avered.
“India has 150 crore people and a deep passion for football, especially in places like Bengal where football is like a festival. What we need now is a stronger support system, just like cricket received from BCCI and the government. If India wants to lead globally, it must excel not only in business but also in sports,” he added.
President of the club, Prithijit Das, said, “Victory is finally ours, and we thank the AIFF for being fair and upholding the spirit of the game. They supported the real winners, and now with the trophy, medals, and promotion to the ISL, the journey feels complete.”
“We now wait for November 5 to find out what’s happening with the Indian Super League, after which we’ll plan and build a strong team to compete at the next level,” he said.
He stated further, “This win is a proud moment for Uttar Pradesh, home to 3 per cent of the world’s population. I hope it inspires children and corporates across the state to embrace football and build a strong sporting culture.”
“Just like the 1983 Cricket World Cup inspired a generation, I believe this triumph can spark a football revolution in Uttar Pradesh,” Das added.
Goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharja, who captained the team, said, “This is our club’s first major trophy in just two years, and it feels truly special. It wasn’t easy. We’re a new team, but credit goes to the coach and all the players for their hard work and belief. Personally, it’s been a tough journey with recovery and everything, but lifting this trophy makes it all worth it.“
On a parting note and choked with emotions, he said, “Now that we’re heading into the ISL, this team will always remain close to my heart. I may be retired as a player, but I’ll always be a fan of Inter Kashi. Whenever possible, I’ll be there in the stands wearing the jersey and cheering for the team.”
