The Oriental Cup, a prominent inter-school football tournament in Delhi-NCR, is set to commence from July 7 to July 16 at the Dr Ambedkar Stadium. Organizers have announced a substantial prize pool and a ₹2.5 lakh scholarship program for 10 student-athletes. More than 1,500 participants from 45 schools are expected to participate in over 50 matches across Boys’ Under-17 and Girls’ Under-19 categories.
Founder Fareed Bakshi highlighted the tournament’s focus on creating opportunities for young footballers and supporting grassroots development. He emphasized the increased prize pool and the scholarship program, aiming to recognize and nurture young talent. The event has seen a significant rise in girls’ participation, with nearly 40% of teams being girls’ teams, showcasing the tournament’s growth and commitment to fostering talent.
The Boys’ Under-17 competition will see participation from over 25 teams, while the Girls’ Under-19 category will have more than 16 teams competing. This growth reflects the tournament’s expansion since its inception in 2023. Organizers have reaffirmed their dedication to promoting gender equality in school football, with a steady increase in female participation over the years. The Oriental Cup, since its launch, has engaged with 55 educational institutions and NGOs, involving over 2,700 young footballers and hosting over 80 competitive matches.
