The report says enquiries are already coming from student circles, with early-morning training sessions understood to have begun before the schedule is confirmed. A return to Nehru Maidan could give the competition a stronger identity while offering players a consistent surface throughout the tournament.
The proposed event is expected to run from 22 July to 15 August, although the programme still has to be settled at an association meeting. Invitations would then be sent to teams across Dakshina Kannada, with possible entries from nearby districts including Udupi, Madikeri and Hassan.
The Independence Cup is set to include higher-primary, high-school, girls’, PUC and degree categories. The girls’ programme is particularly significant, with separate pathways for younger players, under-17 school competitors and senior students.
Aslam reportedly linked the rising interest among younger players to the wider enthusiasm created by the World Cup. He also pointed to players from the association progressing to Bengaluru and national-level football, a sign that local competitions can serve as an important bridge to higher levels.
The structure also gives schools and colleges a reason to invest in regular training, while allowing emerging players to test themselves against teams from beyond their immediate area.
The key moment now is the association meeting that will confirm the schedule and invitations. If the expected response materialises, this year’s Independence Cup could underline the strength of grassroots football in coastal Karnataka - and make the Nehru Maidan return a defining part of its next chapter.