Kalinga Super Cup 2025 kicks off.
The much-awaited Kalinga Super Cup 2025 got off to a thrilling start at the Kalinga Stadium here Sunday. The tournament will continue until May 3 drawing football enthusiasts from across the country.
The opening match was graced by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and Ekamra MLA Babu Singh who extended their best wishes to the players and boosted their morale with their presence and encouragement.
In the season opener, defending champions East Bengal FC crashed out of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 after Kerala Blasters FC defeated them.
After a turbulent end to their ISL 2024-25 campaign, the Kalinga Warrios are back in action and ready to shift gears as they kick off their Kalinga Super Cup 2025. Odisha FC will face Punjab FC in their Group Stage clash April 21, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM . This match brings back the growing rivalry between the harams in their last four meetings since 2023, Odisha FC have edged ahead with two wins, while Punjab FC have claimed one victory, and one match ended in a draw. Despite the recent dip in from , Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera believes the Kalinga Super Cup offers a much needed reset and a chance to chase silverwant on home turf. “We are very excited about this opportunity to play the Kalinga Super Cup again at home,” said Lobera in the pre-match press conference. “Last season was very painful for us, losing the final in the last moment Football and life sometimes give you second opportunities, and we want to take advantage of this.
Tomorrow will start of this competition, and we are ready for the challenge.” The Kalinga Super Cup has historically been a successful tournament for Odisha FC, who were champiens in 2023 and finalists last year. The stakes are even higher this time-with a place in Asian competition on the line.
The winners, who led 1-0 at half time in the Round of 16 clash on day one of the tournament, scored through their Spanish striker Jesus Jimenez Nunez (40 penalty) and Amer ican Noah Wali Sadaoui (64).
Football fans turned up in large numbers at the Kalinga Stadium, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The spectators thoroughly enjoyed the match and cheered enthusiastically for their favourite teams, making the opening day a grand success.
