image credits: AIFF
The Kalinga Super Cup 2025 is set to be held from April 20 to May 3, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Organized by the All-India Football Federation (AIFF), this fifth edition of the tournament will feature 16 teams which includes 13 from the Indian Super League (ISL) and three from the I-League. These teams will compete in a thrilling single-elimination knockout format. The champions will secure a coveted spot in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League 2 Playoffs.
Tournament Structure and Key Fixtures
Unlike the group-stage format of the 2023 and 2024 editions, the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup adopts a direct knockout system, intensifying the competition from the outset. The round of 16, scheduled for April 20, 21, 23, and 24, will see top-seeded ISL teams, based on their 2024-25 season standings, face off against formidable opponents. The quarterfinals follow on April 26 and 27, with semi-finals on April 30, culminating in the final on May 3. Notable opening matches include Kerala Blasters FC versus defending champions East Bengal FC and ISL Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant against I-League’s Churchill Brothers FC Goa. Other key fixtures feature FC Goa versus Gokulam Kerala FC and Bengaluru FC versus Inter Kashi FC, promising high-stakes encounters.
Venue of Kalinga Super Cup 2025
All matches will take place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, a state-of-the-art facility with a capacity of 15,000. It is renowned for hosting major football events, including the 2024 Kalinga Super Cup, where East Bengal FC clinched a 3-2 extra-time victory over Odisha FC. The stadium’s modern amenities make it an ideal venue for Kalinga Super Cup 2025. The AIFF’s decision to host the event in Bhubaneswar for the second consecutive year reflects Odisha’s commitment to promoting football.
How to Reach the Kalinga Stadium?
Kalinga Stadium is easily accessible for fans. By air, visitors can arrive at Biju Patnaik International Airport, approximately 7 km from the stadium. For those traveling by train, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, 5 km away, with auto-rickshaws and cabs providing quick transport to the venue. MO BUS operated by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation also serve routes near the stadium. Parking facilities at the stadium are limited, so public transport is recommended for convenience.
What is Odisha’s Legacy in Football?
The state has a storied history of hosting the tournament, with Odisha FC lifting the title in 2023 and East Bengal FC ending a 12-year trophy drought in 2024. The event offers fans an opportunity to witness top-tier football, with matches broadcast live on Star Sports 3 and streamed on JioHotstar. Local authorities and the AIFF are also promoting fan engagement through initiatives like pre-match fan zones and merchandise stalls at Kalinga Stadium.
