The RevSportz Football Carnival is returning for its third season, this time taking place in Siliguri in the heart of north Bengal. This grassroots community football tournament, featuring numerous men’s and women’s teams from across Bengal, has gained significant attention over its first two seasons.
To expand its reach, RevSportz has moved the carnival to north Bengal this year. On Monday, October 21, the official press conference to announce the tournament was held at the Siliguri Press Club. Former Mohun Bagan player Sarojit Sarkar, other former players from Siliguri and surrounding areas, and multiple local media houses attended the event, which was hosted by RevSportz COO Sharmistha Gooptu.
“This initiative will bring immense social value to the people of North Bengal,” said Sailen Ray, the principal of Baghajatin School, one of the tournament’s venues. “Kudos to Team RevSportz for offering equal platforms and remuneration for both men’s and women’s players. Sports build character, and everyone should have equal opportunities.”
“When we played, if someone had told me there would be a football tournament with Rs. 1 lakh prize money for both men and women, I would have thought it was a joke”, said Sarkar, once a defender with Mohun Bagan, reflecting on the progress of football tournaments. “I thank the entire RevSportz team and all the sponsors involved in this initiative.”
Revsportz Football Carnival Season 3 kicks off in Siliguri!
16 men’s and women’s teams from across North Bengal will compete, with equal prize money for both categories.
Get ready for nonstop football action at Para Football!@sharmisthagoop2 @BoriaMajumdar @CricSubhayan… pic.twitter.com/EIyLMv59qe
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 21, 2024
Launched in 2022, the tournament originally featured 24 teams in both the men’s and women’s categories. This year, as part of its expansion beyond Kolkata, the number of teams has been reduced to 16 in each category, with plans to increase participation in future seasons. Interest from teams in both categories has been tremendous.
Academy teams led by former Indian football stars such as Subrata Paul, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Nassir Ahmed will be participating in the tournament. A notable feature of this edition is the introduction of a stipend for underprivileged players, with eligibility determined by a panel of former players.
The press conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms Gooptu, who addressed the media and acknowledged the sponsors.
The tournament begins on Tuesday, October 22, at the Baghajatin School Ground in Siliguri. The women’s matches will be played through October 27, culminating in the semifinals. The men’s matches will kick off on November 9 at the Tarai Ground in Siliguri. The finals for both categories will be held on November 17 at the Tarai Tarapada Adarsha Vidyapith Ground.