BHUBANESHWAR: Naveen Patnaik, the chief minister of Odisha, pledged a reward of Rs. 1 crore for the Indian team in the event that they win the coveted Intercontinental Cup in 2023. At the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar, India defeated Lebanon 2-0 to claim the Intercontinental Cup 2023. Lallianzuala Chhangte and skipper Sunil Chhetri each scored a goal for India.

"As the Indian football team won the Hero Intercontinental Cup at a packed KalingaStadium in Bhubaneswar, CM Naveen Patnaik handed over the winner's trophy to the champion team and announced 1 crore prize money for them," the Odisha CMO wrote in a tweet on Monday to inform followers of the development.

The Odisha CMO continued by stating that it was an honour for the state to host such a prominent event and that the Naveen Patnaik-led administration plans to hold numerous such football-related events in the state to promote the sport both locally and nationally.

India and Lebanon both missed opportunities in the first half, but the Blue Tigers made a strong comeback in the second. In the 46th minute, Sunil Chhetri, the 38-year-old captain of India, scored his 87th goal to break the scoreless tie. Lallianzuala Chhangte's goal in the 66th minute of the game helped strengthen India's position in the meantime.

India has won the Intercontinental Cup twice, having previously taken home the trophy in the tournament's debut year in 2018. In contrast, North Korea triumphed in the competition in 2019.

With 87 goals in 137 games, Sunil Chhetri ranks third among active international football players in terms of goals scored. Only Lionel Messi, the leader of Argentina's World Cup-winning team, and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo are ahead of him.

Numerous illustrious dignitaries, including AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, Odisha's Minister of Sports and Youth Services Tusharkanti Behera, and AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran, among others, attended the game.

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