Naveen Patnaik Announced Prize of Rs 1 Crore for members of the Intercontinental Cup 2023 Champion Indian Football Team

India have displayed some brilliant football in the final of the Intercontinental Cup 2023 to beat Lebanon comprehensively by a margin of 2-0 and win the title. Skipper Sunil Chhetri rose to the occasion with his 87th international goal. Lallianzuala Chhangte struck the evening's other goal to cap an impressive display. This is India's second title triumph in the tournament, following their win in the inaugural edition in 2018. Korea won in 2019. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik handed the coveted trophy to the champions in front of a jubilant crowd.

Read Also: Intercontinental Cup: Indian Football Team defeated Lebanon 2-0 to clinch the Intercontinental Cup

India defeated Lebanon for the first time since 1977. Both teams were able to balance each other out in the first half, which ended scoreless. Goals from Sunil Chhetri in the 46th minute and Lallianzuala Chhangte in the 65th minute gave Igor Stimac's team the victory. It was also a solid defensive performance, as India preserved its sixth straight clean sheet and entered the SAFF Championship in 2023 with assurance.

Intercontinental Cup 2023: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Announced Prize of Rs 1 Crore

The honourable dignitaries in attendance felicitated every member of the Indian and Lebanese contingent with gold and silver medals respectively.  At the closing ceremony, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated the champions.

"It is a matter of great pride for our state to host this prestigious Intercontinental Cup. Congratulations to India on their victory in the face of stiff competition. It is our intention to hold many more football events in Odisha and support the growth of the sport in Odisha and India," said the Chief Minister.

The excitement and anticipation for the final match was palpable in the days leading up to the conclusion of the four-nation football tournament and the final night did not disappoint. The fans cheered on both teams, creating a true sporting festival. The spectators were as enthusiastic as they had been during the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup. Their enthusiasm increased when the Blue Tigers faced Lebanon for the final match.

Dignitaries including Sports & Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera, 5T Secretary VK Pandian, Sports department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Vineel Krishna, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran and Football Association of Odisha Secretary Ashirbad Behera were present on the occasion.