ATNN, October 6: Shyam Metalics Football Academy (SMFA) has taken Bengal’s grassroots football by storm, clinching three major tournament titles in less than two months and securing promotion to the 1st Division of the DSSA Durgapur Football League. SMFA capped off its stunning run by defeating Durgapur Hrishi Aurobindo Pally RC in the DSSA 2nd Division final, marking a historic promotion to the top tier next season. The Academy’s triumphs didn’t stop there. On September 21, SMFA won the Sri Sri Sarada Santan Sangha Memorial Football Tournament in Siuri, Birbhum, with a dominant 3–0 win over SBSTC Recreation Club, Durgapur. Individual honours went to Sachin Bauri (Man of the Final), Rohit Kora (Best Goalkeeper), Biswajeet Kisku (Best Defender), and Bibek Bauri (Player of the Tournament).
A week earlier, on September 14, SMFA claimed the Bankim Chandra Memorial Gold Cup at Ukhra by edging past Dakshinkhanda Sports Association 1–0. Samir Soren scored the decisive goal, with Abhishek Limbu named Man of the Match and Bhima Kumar Pahan earning Man of the Tournament. Former Indian footballer Dippendu Biswas attended the final, adding star value to the occasion. Back on August 21, the Academy also bagged the 62nd Sri Sri Satyananda Memorial Shield at Dubrajpur with a gritty 1–0 win over a formidable JISU XI, featuring top-level professionals and foreigners. Kartik Hansda sealed the win and was named Man of the Final. SMFA’s winning streak highlights not just tactical maturity but also impressive squad depth, as the Academy managed to compete in multiple tournaments simultaneously with consistent success. “This is a proud moment for Bengal,” said S.K. Maity, Plant Head at Shyam Metalics, Jamuria Unit. “Our boys have shown that local talent can rise to national levels. We are committed to nurturing grassroots football and creating future stars for Indian football.” Founded in 2018, SMFA runs a fully residential football program for 60 youth players and has already placed 41 academy graduates in various divisions of the Calcutta Football League. Backed by Shyam Metalics, one of India’s fastest-growing metal producers with a market cap of ₹26,351 crore, the Academy stands as a model for sports-driven youth development in the region.
