The 65th edition of the prestigious Subroto Cup International Football Tournament got underway on August 18 at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi, bringing together young footballers from across the country for one of India’s most recognised school-level football competitions.
The tournament opened with an exciting Junior Girls Under-17 clash, in which Meghalaya defeated Chandigarh 2-0. Genefa and Wandari found the net for Meghalaya to secure a winning start to their campaign.
The tournament was formally inaugurated during a colourful opening ceremony attended by Air Marshal S. Sivakumar, Air Officer-in-Charge Administration and Vice Chairman of the Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society, who served as the Chief Guest. Indian men’s national weightlifting team star Lovepreet Singh was the Guest of Honour.
The ceremony featured performances by the Air Warriors Drill Team and students of the Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the opening day’s proceedings.
Addressing the participants, Air Marshal S. Sivakumar highlighted the tournament’s contribution to the development of football at the grassroots level and encouraged the young players to compete with determination and sportsmanship.
This year’s tournament features 108 teams competing across three categories — Junior Girls Under-17, Junior Boys Under-17 and Sub-Junior Boys Under-15. Each category has been divided into eight groups, with the group winners progressing to the knockout rounds before the tournament culminates in the finals.
Over the years, the Subroto Cup has emerged as an important platform for identifying and nurturing young football talent. The 65th edition continues that tradition by giving aspiring players an opportunity to test their skills against strong competition, gain valuable experience and pursue their ambitions in the sport.
With a mix of emerging talent, competitive fixtures and the spirit of school football, the latest edition promises another memorable chapter in the long-running history of the Subroto Cup.
