62nd edition of Subroto Cup opens with all its grandeur  

• Tripura Sports School, Tripura beat Govt. Bethlehem Vengthlang Middle School-2, Mizoram 3-1 in the inaugural match

Rannvijay Singha with the crowd.

Khel Today Bureau 

New Delhi: The 62^nd Subroto Cup International Football Tournament kick started with all its grandeur here at the historic Dr. B.R Ambedkar Stadium with the group stage matches of the Junior Girls (U 17). Tripura Sports School, Tripura beat Govt. Bethlehem Vengthlang Middle School-2, Mizoram 3-1 in the inaugural match of the tournament that commenced after the grand opening ceremony. Shriya Deb scored a double and Marina Jamatia scored the third for the winners. Lallawmzuali scored the consolation for the side from Mizoram.

Students Air Force School Bal Bharti performing.

The tournament was declared open by the Chief Guest Air Marshal R.K Anand VSM, Air Officer-in-Charge (Administration) and Vice Chairman, Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society (SMSES). The Guest of Honour for the occasion was the renowned television personality and actor Rannvijay Singha. The welcome address was delivered by Group Captain Yashwant Singh Panghal, Secretary General, SMSES. The crowd was then treated to a magnificent parade display by the Air Warrior Drill Team of the Indian Air Force followed by a colourful cultural performance by the students of Air Force Bal Bharti School, Lodhi Road. The teams took the Oath for the tournament and were introduced to the Chief Guest, who later did the ceremonial kick off to mark the start of another exciting edition of the oldest and most prestigious inter school football tournament in the country.

Speaking on the occasion after declaring the tournament open, Air Marshal R.K Anand VSM, Air Officer-in-charge (Administration) and Vice Chairman, SMSES said, “This tournament is a living testimony of National integration and sporting excellence, which has become the Cradle of Football in our country. I would like to convey my greetings and good wishes to all the participants and organisers for the successful and smooth conduct of the tournament”.

“The armed forces have always been in the forefront of supporting sports and sportspersons in our country. The Indian Air Force is contributing massively by providing a wonderful opportunity for school kids from all over the country to showcase their skills and as a result contributing to the grassroots development system of the country”, said Guest of Honour, Rannvijay Singha

The 62nd Subroto Cup will be telecast LIVE on the SportsCast India YouTube channel. You can also catch the Highlights on the Prasar Bharti & AIFF YouTube channels.

MATCH REPORT

Tripura Sports School (White) and Govt. Bethlehem Vengthlang Middle School-2, Mizoram (Blue) in action.

Tripura Sports School, Tripura – 3

Govt. Bethlehem Vengthlang Middle School-2, Mizoram – 1

Tripura Sports School started the first half with more vigour, troubling the Mizoram school defence with their short and fast passing game. They found the lead soon through Shriya Deb, who finished a good attacking move for the school from Tripura. The battle in the middle was being controlled by the team from Tripura as they maintained possession and looked dangerous going forward. Tripura doubled their lead through a thunderous finish by Marina Jamatia, from the edge of the box. Tripura maintained possession of the ball for the rest of the half and retained their two goal advantage.

Tripura Sports School had an opportunity to increase their lead in the initial minutes of the second half but it was saved well by Mizo goalkeeper Lalrinchhani. Mizoram started to play better football with Lallawmzuali and Vanlalmawipuii impressing with their silky skills and touches, but the finishing touches could not be applied. Tripura scored their third goal again through Shriya Deb who rounded the keeper and finished calmly. Mizoram found a consolation goal in the final minutes of the match from the impressive Lallawmzuali who dodged two defenders and coolly finished past the Tripura keeper.

Day 2 of the group stages will see 15 matches played across four venues as the tournament will be in full flow and promises to provide some exciting action. A total of 32 teams are in fray in the Junior Girls category, which is divided into eight groups, including Bangladesh Krida Shiksha Protishthan (BKSP) of Bangladesh, adding international flavour to the tournament.

Besides the hallowed Ambedkar Stadium, the Tejas Football Ground (Delhi), the Subroto Football Ground (Delhi) and the G.D. Goenka School (Gurugram) ground will be the venues in the Delhi/NCR region.

The Subroto Cup, hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) under the aegis of the SMSES, was first held in 1960 and was named after Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee, who conceived the idea in order to promote sport at the grassroot level.

A total of 108 teams will be participating across the three categories from 27 States and Union Territories (UTs) of the country. Teams from Bangladesh and Nepal will also bring in foreign participation. A total of over 180 football matches are scheduled to be played.