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Defending champions beat Syria in a cliffhanger to win the Nehru Cup Football tournament for the second successive time in a row. India won the match 5-4 in the penalty shootouts. Goalkeeper Subroto Paul saved three penalties in the penalty shootouts and was declared “Man of the Match”. Skipper Bhaichung Bhutia was adjudged “Man of the Tournament”.

There were ecstatic scenes at the Ambedkar Stadium on Monday after India defeated Syria to lift the Nehru Cup for the second time in a row.

So delighted were the All India Football Federation (AIFF) officials that president-in-charge Praful Patel wasted no time in announcing cash prizes for the team within minutes of the triumph.

Apart from the $40,000 prize money, Patel said each member of the team, including the support staff, would be given Rs 2 lakh each. Goalkeeper Subrata Paul and skipper Bhaichung Bhutia, will receive special cash awards of Rs 5 lakh each.