News Stardom , Kolkata, August 3, 2026: The Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club (CSJC), in association with Merlin Group, officially announced the Merlin CSJC Football Tournament 2026, reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting sportsmanship, camaraderie and fitness among the media fraternity.
The tournament announcement was made at a formal function held at the Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club, where the official lottery for the participating teams was conducted in the presence of renowned former Indian footballers Dipendu Biswas and Alvito D’Cunha. The football legends interacted with participants and drew the lots to determine the fixtures for the much-awaited tournament.
This year’s edition will witness 23 teams competing in the two-day five-a-side football championship, to be held at Merlin Rise – The Sports Republic, Kolkata’s premier sports-themed township. The participating teams comprise leading print, electronic and digital media organisations, reflecting the tournament’s growing popularity among the city’s sports journalists.
The participating teams are:
Print Media: Ei Samay, Sangbad Pratidin, Aajkaal, Jago Bangla, Jugasankha, CSJC, Uttarbanga Sambad, East Bengal Samachar, Dainik Jagaran, Photographers’ Team, Press Club and The Echo of India.
Electronic & Digital Media: TV9 Bangla, Anandabazar.com, Biswabangla Sambad, YouTube Bullets, Spirit of Moydan, Let’s Football, IFA TV, RevSportz, Tara News, Aajkaal.in and YouTube Fighters.
As in previous editions, the tournament will be played in two categories—Print Media and Electronic/Digital Media—with champions being crowned in each division.
Executive Quotes
Shri Saket Mohta, Managing Director, Merlin Group, said:
“Sport has the unique ability to inspire teamwork, discipline and perseverance—qualities that resonate beyond the playing field. At Merlin Group, we have always believed in nurturing a vibrant sporting ecosystem through world-class infrastructure and international sporting partnerships. We are delighted to continue our association with the Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club and look forward to another exciting edition of the Merlin CSJC Football Tournament that celebrates the passion and camaraderie of the media fraternity.”
Shri Satyen Sanghvi, Director, Merlin Group, said:
“Merlin Rise – The Sports Republic was envisioned as a destination where sporting talent can flourish. Hosting the Merlin CSJC Football Tournament once again is a matter of great pride for us. We are pleased to welcome the media fraternity to experience our state-of-the-art football facilities and wish every participating team the very best for a spirited and memorable competition.”
Archisman Bhaduri, President, Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club, said:
“The Merlin CSJC Football Tournament has become one of the most anticipated sporting events for the media fraternity. Beyond competition, it strengthens friendships and reinforces the spirit of sportsmanship among journalists. We sincerely thank Merlin Group for their continued support in making this tournament bigger and better every year.”
Former India footballers Dipendu Biswas and Alvito D’Cunha lauded the initiative, encouraging media professionals to embrace sport as an integral part of a healthy lifestyle while appreciating Merlin Group and CSJC for creating a platform that brings together the sporting and media communities.
About Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club
Established in 1956, the Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club (CSJC) is the only organisation in Eastern India exclusively run by sports journalists. For seven decades, it has served as a vital bridge between sportspersons, sporting bodies and the media while playing a significant role in promoting sporting culture across the region.
About Merlin Rise – The Sports Republic
Spread across a sprawling township in Rajarhat, Merlin Rise – The Sports Republic is India’s first sports-themed residential township, offering world-class sporting infrastructure alongside modern urban living. The township is home to the Ronaldinho R10 Football Academy, Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence (YSCE), Michael Phelps Swimming Academy, and MMA Matrix Training Centre by Tiger Shroff, making it one of the country’s most comprehensive destinations for professional sports training and fitness.
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