These annual tournaments serve as a vital platform for talented yet underprivileged youth from different regions of Maharashtra to demonstrate their football abilities. It is an invaluable opportunity for these players to catch the eye of selectors and potentially earn a spot on the state team for the prestigious National Inclusion Cup, organized by Slum Soccer. This year, the tournament saw widespread participation from various districts across Maharashtra, bringing together diverse talent and giving young players a chance to showcase their skills on a larger stage.

The objective of the tournament is to give the players a platform to showcase their talents and represent themselves at the state level. From the state level, the participants will then get selected and will play on a national level at the National Inclusion Cup, and then represent India at the international level at the Homeless World Cup 2025, this year in Oslo, Norway.

The initial phase of the tournament featured league matches, with the 8 teams divided into 2 groups, allowing for intense competition and a fair chance for every team to prove their skills. After the league matches in each of the 2 groups, the top 2 teams from each group were selected based on their scores. Wardha and Bhandara teams topped Group A, while Chandrapur and Nagpur Rural teams emerged as the top teams from Group B. These teams competed in the semi-finals and final, making for an exciting conclusion to the competition.

The first semi-final match for a place in the final was played between Bhandara FC and Chandrapur FC. Both teams showcased their dominance on the field. Bhandara FC earned a spot in the final of the tournament, continuing their impressive run. The second semi-final match saw a thrilling encounter between Wardha FC and Nagpur Rural, showcasing great skill and determination, making it an exciting and closely contested game. Nagpur Rural had one foot in the final.

In a highly anticipated football final, Nagpur Rural emerged victorious, securing the championship title in a nail-biting match against Bhandara. The match, which showcased a fierce rivalry between the two teams, kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last whistle. However, Bhandara’s performance throughout the match was nothing short of impressive. The team delivered a powerful challenge, making it clear that they were no easy opponents. Their offensive strategies were aggressive, and they created several scoring opportunities, putting pressure on Nagpur Rural’s defense.

This victory marks the culmination of a remarkable journey for Nagpur Rural, and the final score is Nagpur Rural 5-3, who now stand as deserving winners of the championship. Their triumph is a testament to their preparation, teamwork, and resilience. Bhandara’s performance in this state tournament, culminating in a well-deserved runner-up title, was a testament to their resilience and skill. The team showcased tremendous spirit and determination, and although they fell short in the final.

The initial phase of the state football tournament began with a series of league matches, setting the stage for a thrilling competition. A total of 10 teams were divided into three groups. The tournament, which featured teams from various regions, was a display of talent, determination, and sportsmanship as young players competed for the championship title. Each group witnessed fierce competition, with every team giving their best to secure a spot in the knockout rounds. The boys’ determination and passion for the game were evident, as they demonstrated impressive skills, teamwork, and strategy on the field. The Boys’ Football Tournament followed an exciting and competitive format, which saw teams battle it out through group-stage matches. Each group showcased intense competition, and only the best teams could secure a spot in the next stage. After evaluating performance and points, one team from each group was selected based on their score and overall performance to advance to the next round.

Following this, the top teams entered the “Super 3” league, which featured three strong contenders: Nagpur City, Nagpur Rural, and Chandrapur. These teams competed in a round-robin format, where each team played against the others, aiming to secure a spot in the final. The matches were filled with excitement, as each team demonstrated their skills and determination to advance. The first match of the Super 3 league was played between Chandrapur and Nagpur City, where Nagpur City emerged victorious, claiming a crucial win. This victory set the tone for the rest of the competition and put Nagpur City on track for a potential spot in the final.

The second match saw Nagpur City face off against Nagpur Rural. Once again, Nagpur City proved their mettle by securing another win, further cementing their place in the final. Their impressive performance in both matches made them the team to watch as the Super 3 phase drew closer to its conclusion. With the final spot in the tournament up for grabs, all eyes were on the third match of the Super 3 league, where Chandrapur faced Nagpur Rural. In a thrilling encounter, Nagpur Rural emerged victorious, earning their place in the final alongside Nagpur City.

As a result, the final match will see Nagpur City and Nagpur Rural compete for the championship title. The stage is now set for an intense final showdown, where the two strongest teams will battle for the prestigious title. In a thrilling final of the Men’s State Football Tournament, Nagpur City defeated Nagpur Rural to claim the 2025 State Championship. The match was filled with intensity, as both teams showcased exceptional skill and determination. Nagpur City controlled possession early on and maintained their composure under pressure, while Nagpur Rural mounted strong counterattacks. Despite a valiant effort from Nagpur Rural, it was Nagpur City’s tactical brilliance and key moments that secured their victory with the score 10-7, crowning them as the deserved champions of the tournament. Their win marked the culmination of an exciting and competitive event.