The 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament 2026 concluded at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi, with Minerva Public School (MPS), CISCE, Mohali, defeating MIC EMHSS (Maqdoomiya Islamic Cultural English Medium Higher Secondary School), Kerala, 3–2 in a closely contested Junior Boys (U-17) final to lift the championship trophy.
The high-intensity final witnessed an early breakthrough for MPS Mohali, with Chetan Tiwari opening the scoring in the 7th minute. MIC EMHSS fought back strongly and found the equaliser through Thoufeeq in added time at the 37th minute, sending both teams into the half-time break level at 1–1.
MPS Mohali regained the lead shortly after the restart when Punshiba Meitei scored in the 40th minute. Six minutes later, Md Azam Khan converted another opportunity to extend the lead to 3–1.
MIC EMHSS mounted a determined comeback in the closing stages, reducing the deficit with a goal in the 65th minute. Despite sustained pressure from the Kerala side, the MPS Mohali defence held firm to secure a 3–2 victory and the Junior Boys (U-17) title.
The final was graced by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff and Chairman, Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society, who presented the championship trophy to the winners. Shri Suresh Raina, former Indian cricketer, attended the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering during the prize distribution ceremony, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh congratulated the players, participating schools, teams and sponsors for their contribution to the successful conduct of the tournament. He emphasised the importance of promoting sports at the grassroots level and highlighted that participation and the spirit of playing are paramount. He also appreciated both finalists for putting up an exciting and closely fought contest.
The Chief Guest thereafter formally declared the 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament 2026 closed.
The Junior Boys (U-17) champions received ₹5 lakh, while the runners-up were awarded ₹3 lakh as prize money.
A total of 83 matches were played in the Junior Boys (U-17) category across five venues in Delhi — Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium, Tejas Football Ground, Pinto Park Football Ground, Subroto Football Ground and Rajokri Football Ground.
In the other categories, Saint Patrick’s High School, Gumla, Jharkhand, emerged victorious in the Junior Girls (U-17) category, defeating Springfield Higher Secondary School, NCC, Aizawl. In the Sub-Junior Boys (U-15) category, Manik Para Vivekanand Vidyapeeth, Jhargram, West Bengal, secured the title after defeating Kamrup Metropolitan Senior Secondary School, Assam, in the final held at Bengaluru.
The successful conclusion of the 65th edition of the Subroto Cup once again highlighted the tournament’s role in providing young footballers from across India and beyond with a prestigious platform to showcase their talent, compete at the highest school level and develop the values of discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and perseverance.
