Kerala added another feather in the cap as the state team won the first ever edition of the National Beach soccer championship at Surat, Gujarat. As we all know, Kerala is a very football loving state and has the most passionate fans around the country.
The fandom comes on display during the Hero Indian Super League matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. Fans received another reason for celebration and to be happy after Kerala defeated Punjab in the finals of the newly found Soccer beach tournament.
Delighted to be at the Hero National Beach Soccer Championship 2023 organised by @IndianFootball at Dumas beach in Surat. This is the first ever soccer championship happening in India. @kalyanchaubey @JiigneshPaatil pic.twitter.com/0w3KVPK2K6
— Parimal Nathwani (@mpparimal) February 1, 2023
This concept was innovated by the AIFF as an attempt to further solidify the sport in India. The fixtures and all the related informations were put out by India’s footballing body back in January and a month later, we already have the champions.
First ever National Beach Soccer in Surat is proving to be a success. pic.twitter.com/Hspugvwxg6
— Shaji Prabhakaran (@Shaji4Football) January 29, 2023
Their opponents were slapped in the finale as the South Indian outfit won the match by 13-4. Both the teams were in the same group and Kerala got their revenge as they lost against Punjab.
Congratulations to Team Kerala for emerging victorious in the Hero National Beach Soccer Championship 2023 🏆🙌 pic.twitter.com/kFunDdrSYa
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) February 1, 2023
In terms of individual awards, Kerala Goalkeeper Santhosh Kasmeer became the best goalkeeper. Rajasthan’s Amit Godara scored the highest number of goals – 27 while Kerala’s Siju S was the player of the tournament.
