The Madan Mohan Halder Challenge Shield football tournament returned with vigor, uniting Birbhum in a celebration of sport and community. Organized by the Ahmodpur Players Association since 1990, the event has grown into a regional spectacle, drawing teams from Murshidabad, Durgapur, Kolkata, and beyond.
This year’s tournament, marking the Association’s 50th year, features an all-women’s charity match, emphasizing gender inclusivity. Over three days, eight teams of young footballers aged 17-20 will compete in a knockout format, with local dignitaries and football legends like Subrata Bhattacharya lending their support.
In Birbhum football fever boosts local businesses, as crowds throng markets for refreshments and merchandise. Vendors in Sainthia and Ahmedpur report brisk sales, with the event acting as an economic catalyst for the region. Halder Venture Limited, celebrating its centenary, continues its decade-long sponsorship. Chairman Prabhat Kumar Halder emphasized, “This event honors my father’s legacy and inspires youth to embrace fitness and sportsmanship.”