Latest news with #DelhiSoccerAssociation
India.com
17-07-2025
- Sport
- India.com
Oriental Cup Gears Up For Season 3: Know Everything About The ISL-Style League For Youngsters
The Oriental Cup, an emerging school football tournament founded by student-athlete Fareed Bakshi, officially announced its third season on Thursday. Scheduled from July 21 to July 29, the tournament will take place at the iconic Dr. Ambedkar Stadium, bringing together 36 teams from schools across Delhi, 24 in the boys' (U-15) category and 12 in the girls' (U-19) category, continuing its mission of providing an inclusive and structured platform for competitive school football. The 2025 edition will have a three-stage format, starting with qualifier rounds followed by league phase and culminating in finals for both boys' and girls' categories. The Oriental Cup is steadily growing into a key event on Delhi's school sports calendar. The tournament has already seen two successful seasons. Air Force School, Subroto Park and Apex School have claimed the boys' titles in 2023 and 2024 respectively while Sanskriti School has maintained a dominant presence in the girls' division, winning both previous seasons. Speaking at the event, co-founder Fareed Bakshi emphasised the tournament's larger mission. 'The Oriental Cup goes beyond just competition. It's about building a space where school athletes across Delhi can play, grow, and feel a sense of community through football. We're excited to welcome new teams and continue expanding the legacy we began just two years ago.' Speaking at the press conference, Rizwan-ul-Haq, vice president, Delhi Soccer Association, shared his endorsement of the tournament's growing impact. 'The Delhi Soccer Association is delighted to acknowledge the initiative taken by Mr. Fareed Bakshi in launching this school-level football tournament three years ago. Since its inception, the tournament has shown remarkable growth each year and is making a significant contribution to the development of youth football in Delhi. Such initiatives offer young athletes a valuable platform to demonstrate their skills and potential,' he said. The organizers invite students, coaches and football fans from across Delhi to follow the tournament, support their schools and be part of a growing movement aimed at nurturing football talent and fostering sportsmanship. About Oriental Cup The Oriental Cup is an emerging school football tournament in Delhi, founded in 2023 by student-athletes Fareed Bakshi and Zahan Sawhney. Now in its third season, the tournament provides a structured and inclusive platform for school athletes of all genders, encouraging competitive play and sportsmanship. The Oriental Cup aims to foster a community where young players can grow, learn, and celebrate the spirit of football - laying the groundwork for what aspires to become a long-standing tradition in Delhi's school sports landscape.
India Gazette
31-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Delhi state team clinches second consecutive Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship title
Narainpur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 31 (ANI): In a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and determination, the Delhi State Football Team successfully defended their crown by winning the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Championship 2024-25, securing their second consecutive national title with a commanding 4-2 victory over Mizoram in the final match held in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh, as per a release from Delhi Soccer Association. With this victory, Delhi cements its status as the reigning champion of India in the U20 men's category, having previously won the same title in 2024. The final was a gripping contest between two formidable teams, but Delhi's sharp attacking play and solid teamwork ensured a triumphant result. A standout performer in the final and throughout the tournament was Jajo Prashan, who not only showcased exceptional talent on the field but also brought valuable experience to the squad. Prashan, who earlier represented India in the SAFF U19 Football Championship, played a crucial role in India's victory in the South Asian tournament and continued his top form, contributing significantly to Delhi's national success. The tournament also saw individual brilliance from Delhi players being recognised at the national level. Laishran Rahul Meitei was named the 'Player of the Tournament' for his consistent performances and influence throughout the competition. Karan Makkar was awarded 'Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament', showcasing excellent shot-stopping skills and leadership at the back. Aditya Adhikari earned the title of 'Player of the Final', delivering a match-winning performance in the decisive clash against Mizoram. Speaking after the win, Delhi's head coach Zahid Shafi Mir praised the squad's unity, hard work, and consistency, 'This back-to-back win is a result of relentless effort from every player and the support staff. Defending the national title is never easy, but these boys showed great maturity and heart,' Mir said as quoted from a release by Delhi Soccer Association. The Delhi Soccer Association has lauded the team's achievement and is committed to further strengthening youth development programs to maintain Delhi's dominance on the national stage. 'The team has won the championship for the second year running, all while being undefeated during both editions of the championship. This is a testament to Delhi's mission of developing football with a focus on youth and grassroots development,' said Anuj Gupta, President of the Delhi Soccer Association. 'We are extremely proud of the players and the coaching staff. Their success reflects our collective vision and long-term investment in nurturing young talent across the capital,' he added. As the celebrations begin, Delhi's success marks not only a historic chapter in its football journey but also highlights the growing strength of youth football in India. (ANI)
