Shrachi Sports Inaugurates the First Edition of the Bengal Super League
Malda, Dec 15th: Shrachi Sports formally inaugurated the first edition of the Bengal Super League (BSL) at the District Sports Association Stadium in Malda, marking the beginning of a new district-focused football competition in West Bengal.
The inauguration ceremony included a musical performance by Ms Doyel Goswami, Top 8 Finalist, Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012 and Finalist, Colours Bangla Gurukul 2015, ahead of the league’s opening fixture.
The inauguration was attended by senior officials from the Indian Football Association, including Mr Ajit Banerjee, President and Mr Anirban Dutta, Secretary. Also present were the team owners of the opening fixture – JHR Royal City Malda|Murshidabad FC, represented by Mr Abdul Halim, Mr Mohammed Halim, Mr Mohammed Wasim and Mr Asif Ahmed, and Northbengal United FC, represented by Mr Rahul Chakraborty and Mr Narayan Vijan. Shrachi Sports was represented by Mr Tamal Ghosal, Chairman, Mr Rahul Todi, Managing Director and Mr Ayan Banerjee, Chief Executive Officer, who have been closely involved in the planning and execution of the league. Indian Football Legend Bhaskar Ganguly was also present.
“The Bengal Super League has been envisioned as a platform to strengthen grassroots football and provide structured opportunities for local talent. Our objective has been to build a league that supports player development while bringing communities together through football. The response from Malda and across the state reinforces the relevance of such an initiative,” said Mr Rahul Todi, Managing Director, Shrachi Sports.
“The inauguration of the Bengal Super League marks an important step in the development of football in West Bengal. Beyond competition, the league contributes to building a sustainable ecosystem that strengthens district-level football and supports the growth of young talent. The response in Malda reflects the depth of footballing potential that exists across the state,” said Mr Ajit Banerjee, President, Indian Football Association.
“The Bengal Super League gives districts like Malda and Murshidabad a clear platform within the state’s football structure. For us, the league is focused on creating opportunities for local players, strengthening grassroots pathways and building sustained engagement with supporters. It is an important step in integrating district-level teams into a professional league framework,” said Mr Mohammed Wasim, Owner, JHR Royal City Malda|Murshidabad FC.
“Participation in the Bengal Super League provides players from North Bengal with access to an organised and competitive football platform from its very first season. It allows regional talent to compete at a professional level and gain wider exposure. We see this league as a structured pathway for player development and long-term growth of football in the region,” said Mr Narayan Vijan, Owner, Northbengal United FC.
Following the inauguration, the Bengal Super League kicked off with its opening fixture between JHR Royal City Malda | Murshidabad FC and Northbengal United FC, officially ushering in the league’s inaugural season with a strong emphasis on district-level representation and player development across Bengal. The match witnessed an attendance of 3,472 spectators and concluded with a 3–1 victory for JHR Royal City Malda | Murshidabad FC with Robi Hansda, No. 9, Forward, JHR Royal City Malda | Murshidabad, receiving the Man of the Match. The goals came in the 26th minute through JHR Royal City Malda | Murshidabad, No. 7, João Vítor de Paula Morais, Forward, while Robi Hansda, No. 9, Forward, JHR Royal City Malda | Murshidabad, scored a brace, finding the net in the 31st minute and again in added time at the end of the 90 minutes. while Northbengal United FC’s lone goal resulted from an own goal by the JHR Royal City Malda | Murshidabad FC goalkeeper in the 51st minute. As per Bengal Super League regulations, the match was followed by a penalty shootout, a unique feature that will take place after every BSL fixture.
The Bengal Super League builds on Bengal’s long-standing football culture by bringing together communities, players and supporters through a structured league format, while setting the foundation for the future growth of the sport in the state.
Launched in July, 2025, BSL is licensed by the Indian Football Association (IFA) and features 8 franchise teams representing district clusters. Matches will be hosted across 8 district venues, bringing professional football to regions beyond Kolkata and offering local players a platform to gain recognition and experience. The league aims to create excitement around district-level football, inspire local communities and uncover the hidden talent of Bengal, while strengthening the professional football ecosystem in the state.
The Bengal Super League will feature some of the state’s most dynamic and competitive teams, each representing the rich footballing spirit of their respective regions. Among the participating clubs are Sundarban Bengal Auto FC, North 24 Parganas FC, Howrah-Hooghly Warriors, FC Medinipur, Burdwan Blasters, Kopa Tigers Birbhum, JHR Royal City FC Malda|Murshidabad and Northbengal United FC.
Shrachi Sports has partnered with Zee Bangla Sonar and ZEE5 as the league’s Official Broadcast and Streaming Partners, ensuring that football fans can experience the excitement of the BSL LIVE, both on television and digital platforms.