The history and significance of the IFA Shield, one of India’s oldest football competitions, organised by the Indian Football Association (IFA) in West Bengal. It is an another Football Tournament Competition which is organised by the Indian Football Association(IFA). Now let go into details the historical of another oldest football tournament in India.
The IFA Shield Tournament was established in 1893, this Tournament holds a remarkable legacy, cementing its status as the third oldest football event in India and one of the world’s ancient football competitions. The governing body of the IFA football for the Tournament in West Bengal.
Historical Significance.
The historical background towards the origin of the IFA shield dates back to 1893. It took its inaugural steps, backed by financial contributions from influential figures including the royal houses of Patiala and Cooch Behar, A.A etc.
This cherished trophy was meticulously designed by Walter Locke & Co of Kolkata and crafted by Messrs Elkington & Co from London).
IFA Shield During British’s
The Tournament was established a long time back, during the British Raj era. The Tournament was initially dominated by the British Army Teams. The Team, the Royal Irish Rifles, was the first Team who clinched the victory in 1893 by defeating the W.D.RA.
Despite being dominated by the British Army Team, the Mohun Bagan won the title in 1911, and became the first all-Indian team to secure as a champion, defeating the East Yorkshire Regiment 2–1. The victory of Mohun Bagan is deeply, symbolising the Indian Football’s Prowess and the Nation’s struggle for Independence.
Record Holders and Achievements
In the early days of the IFA Shield, the Royal Irish Rifles remained the most successful British Army team, boasting 5 titles, East Bengal Club has replaced their name in history with most titles securing the IFA Shield a record 29 times.
Their remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the tournament. The latest champion of the tournament was, Real Kashmir clinched the title by defeating Sreenidi Deccan 2 -1 in the final.
Evolution of the Tournament
The IFA Shield Football Tournament made some changes from 2015 to 2018 as the tournament transformed into a youth tournament, opening its doors to youth teams across divisions.
From that year, the IFA Shield was scheduled with the Indian Super League, I-League, and more The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has changed it to a youth Tournament. Again, in 2020, the tournament was restored as a senior event of competition.
Conclusion
Despite this, the IFA Shield is one of the oldest tournaments in India which was established during the British Raj. The spirit of competition for the Shield Cup continued. The chapter of this tournament remains in the football history of the Nation. The spirit of competition is still going on for those who are passionate about football.
Most Frequently Ask Question
1. Who is the current champion of the IFA Shield?
Answer: Real Kashmir is the current Champion of IFA Shield 2021.
2. Who won the IFA Shield in 1911?
Answer: The IFA Shield champion in 1991 was Mohun Bagan.
5. Who was the first Indian team to win the IFA Shield?
Answer: Mohun Bagan was the first Indian Team to win the IFA Shield in 1911 by defeating the East Yorkshire Regiment 2–1 in the final.
4. How many times Mohun Bagan won the Indian Football Association Shield?
Answer: Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have won the most titles. Mohun Bagan has won 20 titles while East Bengal has won 29 titles.
5. What is the full form of IFA football?
Answer: The full form of IFA is Indian Football Association