Goalkeeper of Kerala’s first Santosh Trophy winning team preserves ball used in final

Thiruvananthapuram: Football enthusiasts attending the programme conducted by Santosh Trophy Players Welfare Association in Ernakulam on December 10 will have the rare opportunity of seeing the historic football used in the Santosh Trophy final between Kerala and Railways, which was held on December 27, 1972. The day is etched in golden letters in the history of Kerala as the state won its first ever Santosh trophy defeating Railways by 3-2 at Ernakulam Maharaja’s College ground 50 years ago. 

Kerala lifted the coveted trophy in front of 50,000 spectators. Thanks to a superb hat-trick by old captain TKS Mani. 10 players, including captain Mani, who was part of the historic team, has bid adieu to the world. 

However, goalkeeper Ravi, has preserved the football used in the final. On December 10, he will be walking on to the dais with the ‘prized possession’ in order to enthral the audience.