Bengal announce Santosh Trophy squad

The Indian Football Association (West Bengal) has announced their 20 member squad for the ongoing 65th Santosh Trophy in Assam. Former Indian international Anupam Sarkar has been named captain of the squad, while coach Shabbir Ali has been given the task to defend the title.

The defending champions will have to rely on a lot of young talent with experienced players like Naseem Akhtar, Anupam Sarkar and Gurpreet Singh set to lead the team as Bengal miss their best players who are in action in the I-League, but with the 2nd Division having finished yesterday Bengal can draw players from their three clubs having played in the league which does give the side some quality and strength.

The 65th edition of the Santosh Trophy is being held from May 6 to 30 across Assam in the seven cities of Guwahati, Nagaon, Mangaldoi, Tinsukia, Shivsagar, Kokrajhar and Bongalgaon. Bengal as defending champions have been given a bye into the quarterfinals league games scheduled from May 17 to 24.


WEST BENGAL

Goalkeepers
Naseem Akhtar (East Bengal Club), Debjit Majumdar (United Sikkim FC), Shibram Dey (Techno Aryan Club)

Defenders
Mohan Sarkar (Techno Aryan Club), Suman Dey (Mohammedan Sporting Club), Avinaba Bag (Kalighat Milan Sangha), Gurpreet Singh (Southern Samity), Anupam Sarkar (Chirag United SC, Captain), Safar Sardar (Mohammedan Sporting Club), Snehasish Dutta (Techno Aryan Club), Sourav Chakraborty (Techno Aryan Club)

Midfielders
Jamir Ali Mondal (Southern Samity), Santosh Oraon (Mohun Bagan AC), Gautam Kujur (Mohammedan Sporting Club), Mumtaz Akhtar (Mohammedan Sporting Club), Francis Xavier (Southern Samity), Surabuddin Mollick (Mohun Bagan AC)

Forwards
Budhiram Tudu (United Sikkim FC), Bikash Narzinary (United Sikkim FC), Branco Vincent Cardozo (Chirag United SC)

Officials
Shabbir Ali (Coach), Debasish Mukherjee (Assistant/Goalkeeping Coach)