NFL from Dec 1

The Santosh Trophy Senior National Championship will be held from March 20 to April 5 next year.

The AIFF drew much flak last year for its unimaginative scheduling that saw the National League continue after the Santosh Trophy had begun, leaving top players a tired lot coming into the National Championship.

This year, the league will end before Santosh Trophy starts, providing top players some rest in between.

Calendar for 1999-2000

Federation Cup knock-out tournament: Zonal rounds: October 4-12; Final round, Oct 20-Nov 2.

Under-16, under-19 men and under-19 women: Dec 11-30.

Under-21 national,zonals: October 2-13; Final round: October 23-Nov 4.

Women8217;s Federation Cup: October 1-13.

All India major tournaments: November.

Women8217;s Nationals: February 1-15, 2000.

National Football League premier and second divisions: Dec 1-March 15, 2000.

Santosh Trophy: March 20-April 5, 2000.