Mohor Chaudhuri
The Empowerment Cup 2025, a flagship initiative from RevSportz, made its grand return to Kolkata this year with an exciting new chapter – one dedicated solely to women. The launch, which took place around 2 pm at the Sports Journalists’ Club in Kolkata, marked the fourth edition of the tournament. It showcased a significant shift in the city’s sports scene, putting grassroots women footballers at the forefront in a movement aimed at dismantling patriarchal barriers and bringing hidden talent into the light. The event attracted a lively crowd filled with anticipation, optimism, and a sense of purpose.
The ceremony was graced by two football icons whose presence elevated the atmosphere and infused the room with hope: Alvito D’Cunha, one of the most respected football legends in the country, and Kuntala Ghosh Dastidar, a pioneer of women’s football in India. Their insights, rooted in lived experience, and the constructive discussions that followed set the tone for an afternoon defined by inspiration, honesty, and passion.
Kuntala reflected on her early days and spoke about a time when women who played football were judged and discouraged by their own families. Matches often attracted men who came not for the sport but for personal entertainment. Yet, she highlighted how relentless perseverance eventually changed the narrative. “People began to recognise the importance of our talent,” she said, reminding young footballers that every barrier broken today paves the way for something better tomorrow. The key, she emphasised, was to never give up or back down in the face of struggle.
D’Cunha, in his address, spoke highly of the rising influence of women athletes across the country. He pointed out how East Bengal’s women have inspired the men, and how the Indian women’s national football and cricket teams continue to inspire their male counterparts to dream big as they achieve more with each passing day. His words underscored a powerful truth: today, women are not just participating – they are leading.
RevSportz received widespread appreciation for championing multi-sport encouragement and coverage, and for genuinely practising its philosophy of equality. Guests also acknowledged the commitment and sincerity of Boria Majumdar, applauding him for “walking the talk” and consistently pushing for gender parity in Indian sport. The unveiling of the grand trophy and medals added a celebratory element to the event, with several members of the press in attendance. The impressive line-up of sponsors drew praise as well – many expressed pride in the fact that sponsors were willing to back a women’s tournament of this scale.
The Empowerment Cup 2025, an interstate tournament, will take place from November 22 to 30, with 16 teams participating from across the country. The message is loud and clear: this is more than a tournament. It is a stepping stone. A promise. Somewhere in a far-off town or village, a young girl may be dreaming of representing India – and perhaps this tournament will be another step toward shaping the next Kuntala Ghosh Dastidar.
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RevSportz Empowerment Cup 2025 PC: Kuntala Ghosh Dastidar & Alvito d’Cunha praises the initiative#EmpowermentCup2025 @BoriaMajumdar @sharmisthagoop2 #RevsportzInitiative #FootballTournament pic.twitter.com/yvVNtIM6iw
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) November 20, 2025