The Vadodara Warriors have been crowned champions of the Gujarat Super League (GSL) 2025, concluding a thrilling season with a dramatic penalty shootout victory on May 13th. Played at the iconic EKA Arena in Ahmedabad from May 1 to May 13, the tournament featured fierce competition among six dynamic teams, but it was the Vadodara Warriors who ultimately stormed to the top with their unmatched spirit, strategy, and unity.
Owned by K and D Communication Ltd (KDCL), the Vadodara Warriors are more than just a football team — they are the embodiment of a larger vision. KDCL, a respected name in the exhibition and trade fair industry for over 30 years, has expanded its mission into the world of sports, bringing with it a commitment to connection, inspiration, and opportunity. With a legacy of organizing high-impact B2B events, the company has now taken up the mantle of nurturing homegrown sports talent and investing in Gujarat’s football ecosystem.
Their foray into the Gujarat Super League is deeply rooted in a belief in grassroots development, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth. Through their support of the Warriors, KDCL hopes to create meaningful spaces where ambition meets action, and communities come together in the spirit of the game. This victory stands as a testament to their belief that sport has the power to unite and uplift.
The Gujarat Super League 2025 featured a round-robin format, with all six teams — Vadodara Warriors, Karnavati Knights, Gandhinagar Giants, Ahmedabad Avengers, Saurashtra Spartans, and Surat Strikers — playing five matches each. Vadodara Warriors demonstrated impressive form in the league stage, recording key wins over Gandhinagar Giants (2-0), Karnavati Knights (5-1), and Surat Strikers (5-0). These performances solidified their place in the finals, where they faced the Ahmedabad Avengers in a match that had fans on the edge of their seats.
The grand finale was a tense affair, with both sides locked in a 0-0 stalemate at the end of regulation time. The title was ultimately decided by penalties, where the Warriors displayed nerves of steel. They converted all five of their penalty attempts and managed to save two from the opposition, clinching the championship in a 5-6 shootout finish that will be remembered for years to come.
Throughout the season, the Warriors’ squad showcased extraordinary talent and resilience. Manvir Singh emerged as the tournament’s best scorer, while Totan Das delivered a commanding presence in the midfield. Rising star Aditya Waghela was named the Emerging Player of the tournament, and Head Coach Salim Pathan received widespread praise for his strategic leadership and ability to inspire the squad.
This championship win marks the beginning of a new chapter for Vadodara Warriors and KDCL. Buoyed by the energy of their fans and the strength of their vision, the team is poised for continued success both on and off the field. As KDCL continues its journey of fostering talent and creating impact, the future of the Warriors — and Gujarat football — looks brighter than ever.
