I-League champions to get a newly designed trophy (With Image)

A glittering new trophy, designed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), awaits the 2012-13 I-League Champions. The dedicated trophy will be handed over to the champion team later this month.

The trophy, gold-plated with a full-sized silver football on the top, has been designed in Europe. It will do the rounds every year like it happens across the world.

Kushal Das, general secretary, AIFF said: "It is the endeavour of AIFF to practise the best principles of other Leagues and accordingly we thought to accord a more contemporary look to the I-League Trophy in line with trophies given in European Leagues."

I-League chief executive Sunando Dhar said: "This is the first time a dedicated trophy is being given away to the I-League champion. The trophy has been designed in Europe and is at par with any top League's trophy. Previously there used to be one trophy given away to the Champions who retained it."

Dhar also pointed out that since last year the I-League trophy is being given on the ground itself and not at a later date.

"On the day when the concerned club is crowned Champion, the Trophy is handed over to them. This has been in practice since last year," he said.

Churchill Brothers are on the brink of winning their second I-League crown and need just one point from the two remaining matches against Mohun Bagan, May 7, and Air India, May 12.

As per the I-League table, Churchill Brothers would be handed over the Trophy, May 7, if they are able to earn a point against Mohun Bagan. But if they are unable to do so, the trophy would travel to Pune for the last round where it will be handed over to either Churchill Brothers or Pune FC.