Hero Intercontinental Cup 2023: Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik announces ₹1 crore reward for India

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik saw the entire match at the Kalinga Stadium.

The Indian Football Team have been blessed with a significant reward for winning the 2023 Hero Intercontinental Cup after their 2-0 victory over Lebanon on Sunday, June 18. Soon after the accomplishment, it was announced by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik that a whopping ₹1 crore cash prize will be given to the team for their success.

Patnaik said, "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.” 

Indian team rewarded for Intercontinental Cup heroics

Patnaik was personally in attendance at a jam-packed Kalinga Stadium at Bhubaneswar on Sunday and witnessed the Blue Tigers march their way to a comprehensive win. After a tense first half, Igor Stimac’s side came up all guns blazing in the second half.

Sunil Chhetri put his side in the lead in the 46th minute by smartly finishing a well-created move to send the  Odisha crowd into a frenzy. Twenty minutes later, some impressive pressing work from India saw them win the ball just outside Lebanon’s box – and seconds later Lallianzuala Chhangte scored from close range after Naorem Mahesh Singh’s effort was parried by the Lebanon keeper.

What lies ahead for India?

The Odisha CM was clearly delighted with the performance of Team India, who ended the Hero Intercontinental Cup with an undefeated run – having won three of their four games in the tournament. Patnaik was also involved in the post-match ceremony, being the one to hand the Hero Intercontinental Cup trophy to captain Sunil Chhetri before the players began their celebrations.

It’s still not known exactly what will be done with the massive prize money, but it might be distributed among the players as a reward for their impressive work all throughout the competition. During the post-match ceremony, it was also announced that Lebanon had received a runners-up reward of $25,000 for their solid work up until the final.

The Indian players will probably spend the Sunday night celebrating their first Hero Intercontinental Cup success since 2018. After that, Igor Stimac and his squad will be jetting off to Bengaluru – where they will be hosting the 2023 SAFF Championship and playing their first match against rival Pakistan in just three days time on June 21.