THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Thiruvananthapuram’s Mayor’s Gold Cup set to be revived

Gokulam Kerala FC players celebrating during their 3-1 win against Shillong Lajong FC in an I-League encounter. (Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)

The capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is set to welcome back after 22 years the Mayor’s Gold Cup which will be played from August 25 to September 4. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the tournament at a function to be held on August 25 with former India international I.M. Vijayan as the chief guest.

A total of 14 teams in Bengaluru FC, Chennai City FC, Indian Navy, Dhanbad Football Academy, Corps of Signals – Goa, Gokulam Kerala FC, Keralam State Eleven, SBI – Kerala, Kerala Police, Titanium, KSEB, Kovalam FC, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Eleven, and AG’s Kerala would be seen in action.

Thiruvananthapuram mayor V.K. Prasanth in a press conference on Thursday said, “Many leading teams from popular football clubs from across the nation would take part in the tournament. The last Mayor’s Cup was held back in 1997, and then SBT lifted the cup by defeating Kannur Keltron.”

“The training for our Corporation Eleven team would start on August 16. We are planning to hold rallies to parade around the trophy which is worth Rs 20 lakh (2 million). The winner would get a cash prize of Rs 50,000, and the runner-up Rs 30,000.”