The 2003 Indian Federation Cup, also known as 2003 Tata Federation Cup due to sponsorship reasons,[1] was the 25th season of the Indian Federation Cup. It was held between 26 July and 9 August 2003. Defending champions Mohun Bagan were eliminated by Mohammedan Sporting in the semi-final, who faced Mahindra United in the final. Mahindra United went on to win their maiden title with Shanmugam Venkatesh scoring the winner for them in the 78th minute.[2]Raphaël Patron Akakpo of Mahindra United finished the tournament as the top-scorer with three goals.[3]
Overview
The All India Football Federation announced on 11 May 2003 that the tournament would commence on 25 July 2003 and completed on 8 August.[4] The date of commencement was revised to 26 July in an announcement made on 10 July. The tournament made a return after a year's break.[5] The Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata was announced as the venue of the matches and that 16 teams would compete.[6] The fixtures were announced on the same day.[6] While all matches were played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, the third quarter-final between Mahindra United and Air India was played at the Sailen Manna Stadium (then called Howrah Municipal Stadium) in order "to rest and repair the pitch" (former stadium).[7]
Two new features were added for the tournament. Doping tests were conducted according to guidelines laid down by FIFA in that "random sampling of a player of each team selected by the draw of lots" was conducted. Secondly, players and match officials were brought under an personal accident policy of ₹100,000, while the spectators, including the media, were covered under a similar policy of ₹50,000.[5]
Mohammedan Sporting qualified for the final for the first time in 13 years and 11 editions of the tournament[8] while Mahindra United, who progressed to the final in 1991 and 1993, had never won the title.[9]