CM Naveen Patnaik announces reward for Indian team after winning Intercontinental Cup

India’s football team defeated Lebanon 2-0 in the Intercontinental Cup 2023, achieving a historic victory on Sunday. In the match played at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India has captured the cup for the second time by winning this victory. The stadium was full of football fans to watch this match.

 

On the other hand, after the victory of the Indian team, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik handed over the prestigious Intercontinental Cup 2023 trophy to the team during the presentation ceremony. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while congratulating the Indian team said that it is a matter of great pride for Odisha to host this prestigious Intercontinental Cup. He said that the state government is ready to organize many more football tournaments and events in Odisha. The Government of Odisha is all set to support the development of sports in Odisha and India.

Explain that after the Indian team became the winner of the football tournament Hero Intercontinental Cup, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also announced a prize money of Rs one crore to the team at the packed Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

 

Tell that after winning this Intercontinental Cup, the players of the Indian and Lebanese teams were handed over the goals and silver medals. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated the winners at the closing ceremony. He said that there was tough competition in the match, even after which the Indian team played brilliantly and won.

 

In sultry heat, both the teams had chances to take the lead in the opening half but failed to capitalize on it. It was a similar half as the two teams had played out a goalless draw in the last match of the round robin stage two days earlier. During this, India focused on keeping the ball with them for a long time, while Lebanon’s emphasis was on attacking. Lebanon attacked the Indian goal post seven times, while the Indian team, which controlled the ball 58 percent of the time, attacked the Lebanese goal post only three times.

Things changed after the interval, however. First up, Chhangte took control of the ball from close to the box and passed it to Chhetri and the Indian skipper made no mistake in chipping away at Lebanese goalkeeper Ali Sabeh. The team made the most of this opportunity with the excellent cohesion of the players. Nikhil Pujari pushed the ball through the Lebanese players from tight space towards Chhangte and the player made no mistake in creating an opportunity for his inspirational captain.

After taking a one-goal lead, the Indian players took advantage of the home conditions to double the lead with Chhangte’s effort. Substitute Naorem Mahesh Singh attempted to score from Chhetri’s pass but his effort was saved by the Lebanese goalkeeper. The goalkeeper, however, could not keep the ball under control, which splashed and went to Chhangte, and the player put the ball into the goal post.