Kanyashree Cup

Kanyashree Cup

Kanyashree Cup

The Vanguard of Women’s Football.

Established in 1993 (formerly known as the Calcutta Women's Football League), the Kanyashree Cup is the oldest women’s football league in India. It stands as a testament to Bengal’s visionary approach to the sport, providing a competitive platform for women long before the national stage was set.

A New Era of Empowerment

In 2020, the tournament was rebranded as the Kanyashree Cup under the patronage of the Govt. of West Bengal. This rebranding brought with it a surge in professionalism, funding, and media visibility.

Current Structure: The league has now evolved into a two-tier system:

Premier Division A: The top-flight, where champions earn a spot in the Indian Women’s League 2 (IWL 2).

Premier Division B: The newly formed second tier (launched in 2024) to accommodate the growing number of women’s clubs in the state.

The Powerhouses: Institutions like Income Tax and SSB Women historically dominated the scene, but the resurgence of East Bengal and the rise of local stars from Sreebhumi FC have made the competition more fierce than ever.

Beyond the Pitch

The Kanyashree Cup is not just a tournament; it is a catalyst for social change. By providing professional contracts, state-of-the-art facilities, and a direct pathway to the Indian National Team, the IFA ensures that the daughters of Bengal have every opportunity to shine on the world stage.