The Kalinga Super Cup 2025 marks the revival of one of Indian football’s most dynamic domestic knockout tournaments.
Set against the passionate backdrop of Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium, this edition brings together India’s top 15 football clubs in a battle not just for silverware, but for continental qualification.
The stakes? A direct playoff spot in the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2)—a prize that can redefine a club’s legacy.
But to truly understand the significance of the 2025 edition, we must first look back at how the Super Cup evolved into what it is today.
The Origins: Federation Cup to Super Cup
The roots of the Kalinga Super Cup lie in the Federation Cup, once India’s most prestigious knockout football competition. Founded in 1977, the Federation Cup was the domestic equivalent of the English FA Cup, pitting clubs from across the country in a single-elimination format.
Over time, however, logistical challenges, scheduling conflicts, and the rise of the I-League and ISL led to the tournament’s decline.
In 2018, the Super Cup was introduced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as a modern successor. It was designed to pit the best from the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League, India’s two top-tier divisions at the time, in a head-to-head battle.
The inaugural Super Cup in 2018 was held in Bhubaneswar, and Bengaluru FC claimed the title, defeating East Bengal 4-1 in a memorable final. In 2019, FC Goa lifted the trophy, further validating the tournament’s potential.
However, after 2019, the Super Cup faced disruption due to club withdrawals, scheduling issues, and eventually the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tournament was revived in 2023 and 2024 under the banner of the Hero Super Cup, with Bhubaneswar continuing as the central host city.
Now, in 2025, the rebranded Kalinga Super Cup signifies a fresh start—with ACL2 qualification raising the stakes like never before.
Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Format & Features
Teams & Participation
This year’s tournament features 15 clubs:
- 13 teams from the Indian Super League (ISL)
- 2 teams from the I-League:
- Inter Kashi
- Gokulam Kerala
These I-League sides qualified via preliminary rounds, showcasing their potential to compete with ISL giants. Their presence keeps the tournament rooted in the idea of pan-Indian football inclusivity.
Foreign Player Rule
A key feature in 2025 is the foreign player allowance—clubs can register and start up to 6 foreign players per match. This rule mirrors continental standards and adds more competitiveness, star power, and tactical depth to each fixture.
Venue
As with previous editions, Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar is the exclusive host. The Odisha government has continued to back football development strongly, and the venue has become a true hub for Indian football—hosting not just Super Cups, but U-17 World Cup matches and national team camps.
The Stakes: ACL2 Playoff Spot
For the first time in the competition’s history, the winner of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 will earn a direct berth into the AFC Champions League 2 Playoffs.
This is monumental. Previously, Indian clubs had limited pathways into continental competitions. With the restructuring of AFC competitions (where ACL2 replaces the AFC Cup for many nations), Indian clubs now aim to go deeper in Asia. Winning the Super Cup can be a shortcut to that stage.
Tournament Schedule
Round of 16
The knockouts begin from April 20, with fixtures spread across five action-packed days:
- April 20
- Kerala Blasters vs East Bengal | 8:00 PM
- April 21
- FC Goa vs Gokulam Kerala | 4:30 PM
- Odisha FC vs Punjab FC | 8:00 PM
- April 23
- Bengaluru FC vs Inter Kashi | 4:30 PM
- Mumbai City vs Chennaiyin FC | 8:00 PM
- April 24
- NorthEast United vs Indian Army FT | 4:30 PM
- Jamshedpur FC vs Hyderabad FC | 8:00 PM
Mohun Bagan Super Giant has received a direct entry to the quarterfinals as their opponents have withdrawn.
Quarterfinals
- April 26 & 27
The 7 winners from the Round of 16 will join Mohun Bagan SG in 4 intense QF clashes.
Semifinals
- April 30
The four surviving teams go head-to-head for a place in the final.
Final
- May 3
The title decider. The winner takes home not just the trophy, but continental dreams.
Top Scorers over the years in Super Cup
Several big names have featured in the prestigious tournament
- Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC) – 9 goals in 10 Super Cup appearances
- Wilmar Jordán – 8 goals in just 7 games
- Diego Maurício (Odisha FC) – A consistent threat with 8 goals from midfield
- Others to watch: Coro, Nandhakumar Sekar, Cleiton Silva, and Miku
Their sharpness in front of goal can tilt tightly contested knockout games.
Historical Context: Past Winners
- 2018 – Bengaluru FC
Chhetri’s brilliance helped BFC steamroll to their first Super Cup title. - 2019 – FC Goa
Led by Ferran Corominas and Brandon Fernandes, Goa played stylish football en route to lifting the cup. - 2023 & 2024
Revival years with Odisha FC making a strong run, and ISL clubs fielding full-strength sides. The Super Cup reclaimed relevance in the domestic calendar.
Narratives to Watch in 2025
- Can Bengaluru FC reclaim their throne?
With Chhetri still firing, BFC enters with pedigree and hunger. - Will Mohun Bagan SG justify their direct entry?
As ISL Shield winners, expectations are sky high. - Can an I-League team spring a surprise?
Inter Kashi and Gokulam Kerala have nothing to lose and everything to gain. - Odisha FC at home – A club on the rise, playing in front of a home crowd could be a huge factor.
Where to Watch
Catch all the action:
- TV: Star Sports 3
- Streaming: JioCinema & Disney+ Hotstar
With high production value, expert commentary, and drama guaranteed, the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 is designed for both diehard and new fans of Indian football.
Final Thoughts
The Kalinga Super Cup is no longer just a domestic cup—it’s now a gateway to Asian football, a proving ground for Indian talent, and a festival of goals, passion, and club rivalries. From legends like Sunil Chhetri to new sensations, every player is playing for pride, silverware, and the opportunity to go continental.
For fans of Indian football, this tournament is unmissable.
#KalingaSuperCup | #IndianFootball | #ISL | #ILeague | #ACL2 | #RoadToAsia
