The exciting Kalinga Super Cup is set to kick off in Odisha on January 9, 2024, marking a significant event in Indian football. Recently announced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on November 29, 2023, this annual tournament promises an action-packed series of matches taking place across two venues in Odisha.

This edition of the tournament will witness participation from teams in both the Indian Super League and the I-League, creating an exhilarating clash among top-tier football clubs. The tournament's format includes four groups, each comprising four teams. These teams will battle it out in single-leg matches within their respective groups. The victorious teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, ultimately culminating in the highly anticipated final showdown scheduled for January 28, 2024.

Notably, the I-League teams will engage in qualifiers to secure spots in the group stage of the Kalinga Super Cup. Four slots have been exclusively reserved for these teams to compete in the group stage.

The champion of the Kalinga Super Cup will earn a prestigious opportunity to represent and compete in the ACL 2 Preliminary Stage of the AFC 2023-24 season, adding a high-stakes element to the tournament.

Expressing his enthusiasm about this major development, AIFF President Mr. Kalyan Chaubey remarked, "The decision to expand and elevate the annual Super Cup tournament into the Kalinga Super Cup, to be held in Odisha in January 2024, is a significant stride for Indian domestic football. Anticipated to attract widespread attention, I am confident that the Kalinga Super Cup will be a massive success, capturing the interest of both organizers and spectators alike."

This expansion of the tournament and its move to Odisha reflect a positive trajectory for Indian football, aiming to elevate the sport's profile and engage fans on a grand scale. With its blend of elite teams and an electrifying format, the Kalinga Super Cup is poised to be a landmark event in the Indian football calendar.

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