Wikipedia - AIFF Super Cup

The AIFF Super Cup, simply the Super Cup, is the annual premier cup football competition in India. It was founded on February 19, 2018 as a replacement for the Federation Cup. it is organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The competition is open to all clubs in the Indian Super League and the I-League, the top two divisions of the Indian football league system respectively. The winners qualify for the AFC Champions League Two. Goa are the current holders, having defeated Jamshedpur 3–0 in final held in April 2025 and become the first team to win the title twice.

History

On 19 February 2018, the All India Football Federation announced the creation of the Super Cup as a reformed Federation Cup, India's main knockout football tournament. The qualifiers for the inaugural recherished tournament were held between 15–16 March. The tournament proper then commenced on 31 March and concluded with the final on 20 April 2018. Bengaluru emerged as the winners of the inaugural edition of the recherished tournament. They defeated East Bengal 4–1 in the final.

In the second edition, seven I-League clubs, namely Minerva Punjab, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, NEROCA, Gokulam Kerala, Aizawl and Churchill Brothers withdrew from the competition citing "unfair treatment to I-League clubs by the AIFF."

From 2020 to 2022, the competition was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From the 2024 edition the competition is known as the Kalinga Super Cup, as part of the title sponsorship agreement with the Government of Odisha. In the 2025–26 edition, it was held in the initial phase of the season as a season opener after the Durand Cup unlike previous editions.

The India Super Cup is a prestigious football tournament held in India, bringing together top clubs from across the country to compete at the highest level. Established to promote the growth of football in India, the Super Cup features intense matches, showcasing talented players and exciting gameplay. The tournament serves as a platform for teams to demonstrate their skills, foster rivalries, and engage passionate fans nationwide. With a rich history and growing popularity, the India Super Cup continues to elevate Indian football on both domestic and international stages, inspiring future generations of players and enthusiasts.