38th National Games 2025: List of qualified state football teams

A look at the state teams who will be participating in the 38th edition in Uttarakhand.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially confirmed the list of qualified state teams which will be participating in the men’s and women’s football competitions in the 38th National Games. The event is set to be held in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, in February 2025 and will see teams battle it out for national bragging rights.

The qualification criteria for the eligible teams was based on their performances in the 2023-24 Senior National Football Championships.

Defending champions Services in men’s football and Odisha in women’s football will be keen to retain their status in the upcoming National Games.

38th National Games: Men’s Football

In the 38th edition of the National Games, eight teams are going to compete in the men’s category, with host state Uttarakhand looking to bank on the home advantage. The men’s side promises to be an exciting competitive bracket with teams like Kerala, Manipur and reigning champions Services.

The runner-up Manipur team will be one of the favourites to win the title this time around, as they will be looking to write the wrongs of last year. Another team to follow throughout the tournament will be Kerala, who are one of the most successful teams taking part in this tournament, having won the tournament twice in history.

List of teams taking part in men’s football:

• Assam
• Delhi
• Goa
• Kerala
• Manipur
• Mizoram
• Services (Defending Champions)
• Uttarakhand (Host Team)

ALSO READ: Top six has never been our target, says Mohammedan SC coach Andrey Chernyshov

38th National Games: Women’s Football

The women’s competition will also be featuring eight teams this year. The qualified teams will be keen to showcase some of the promising footballing talents from their home states. With teams like Odisha, West Bengal and Manipur going head-to-head with each other, the games are going to be a must-watch for any football fan.

Three-time winners Odisha will be favourites to win the title once again and make it back-to-back years of glory in the National Games. Five-time record winners Manipur will be the team who will give ample competition to Odisha having bowed out last year as runners-up. Hosts Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal and Delhi will be the other teams to keep an eye on in this year’s competition.

List of teams taking part in women’s football:

• Delhi
• Haryana
• Manipur
• Odisha (Defending Champions)
• Sikkim
• Tamil Nadu
• Uttarakhand (Host Team)
• West Bengal

With the competition scheduled to commence on February 3, 2025 for women and February 4, 2025 for men, the official fixtures are yet to be released. The official groupings and fixtures will be decided in a virtual draw, which will be revealed in due time.

The participating teams have been asked to submit their entry forms by December 23, 2024, and will be allowed to register up to 22 players and 5 officials per squad. According to eligibility criteria, players representing their states this year have to be born in their respective states or have residency for at least six months prior to the Games.

With a mix of traditional powerhouses and exciting emerging teams, the football tournament at the 38th National Games promises to be an exciting spectacle.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.