How Subroto Cup became a hotbed of talents

The tournament was instrumental in shaping career of former India team captain Bhaichung Bhutia

The Subroto Cup International Football Tournament is an absolute powerhouse of inter-school football, igniting a fire within the hearts of young players from all corners of the globe.

This exhilarating annual event takes place in the vibrant city of New Delhi, India, where the best school teams gather to battle it out on the field. Named after the legendary and visionary Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee, this tournament transcends boundaries, uniting passionate football enthusiasts from near and far.

With a rich history dating back to its inception in 1960, the Subroto Cup has become the pinnacle of school-level football, showcasing the raw talent and ambition of these aspiring young athletes.

History of Subroto Cup

Since its inception in 1958, the idea of hosting a junior football tournament has ignited an unprecedented passion within the hearts of young football enthusiasts. The visionary behind this remarkable initiative was the late Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee, a fervent lover of the beautiful game. Fueled by his unwavering belief in the power of nurturing budding talents at the grass root level, the Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society was established in 1960, immortalizing his vision.

The inaugural tournament in 1960 saw the participation of around 50 enthusiastic school teams, setting the stage for a glorious footballing tradition. Originally, the tournament exclusively catered to the Boys U-17 category, epitomizing Subroto Mukerjee's ardent dedication to fostering young talent. However, in 1998, a new chapter was written as the Boys U-14 category was introduced, expanding the reach of this prestigious tournament.

The resounding success of the Subroto Mukerjee Football Tournament continued to inspire and empower young athletes across the nation. In 2012, a new milestone was achieved as the Girls U-17 category was incorporated, embracing gender equality and ensuring that the brilliance of female footballers was recognized and celebrated.

Through the years, this tournament has kindled the fire of passion within countless young hearts, providing a platform where dreams are born and futures are shaped. It stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit and dedication of individuals like Subroto Mukerjee, who believed in the transformative power of football.

Who conducts it?

In 1994, the Air Force Sports Control Board has passionately taken charge of the esteemed Subroto Cup tournament. This exhilarating event has captured the hearts of countless participants, attracting over 34,000 school teams from all corners of our great nation. Each year, the tournament kicks off at the state level, showcasing the incredible talent that thrives in our diverse and football-loving country.

But it doesn't stop there. The Subroto Cup has also welcomed teams from far-flung corners of the globe, transforming it into an internationally renowned competition. From the dynamic footballers of Brazil and Australia to the skillful players from the United Kingdom and Ukraine, this tournament has become a melting pot of talents from around the world.

It is truly a testament to the power of sports, bringing nations together on the playing field, fostering camaraderie, and celebrating the universal language of football.

How is it conducted?

The tournament follows a league cum knock-out format and is played in accordance with the laws of the game as formulated by FIFA, which have been adopted by AIFF and SSCB.

Inter-school tournaments are preliminarily organized at various levels within each state and union territory, commencing from the Sub-division, district, and division level. These tournaments culminate in the highly anticipated inter-school finals at the state level. Consequently, the victorious school teams from these state inter-school championships are graciously invited to partake in the esteemed Subroto Cup Tournament held in Delhi.

Rise to fame

The tournament serves as a platform to identify and nurture talent, while also offering invaluable guidance and support to young participants. Coaches and mentors at the Subroto Cup dedicate themselves to the development of these emerging players, helping them refine their skills and abilities.

Furthermore, as teams from diverse regions come together to compete, participants are exposed to a wide range of playing styles and strategies, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the game.

Notably, the Subroto Cup has been instrumental in shaping the careers of several esteemed Indian football stars, including Baichung Bhutia, Shyam Thapa, and Robin Singh, whose achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring young players.

Awards and Honors

The Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society was honored with the prestigious "Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar" by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for their remarkable contributions in the field of sports development.

The esteemed award was presented by the Honorable President of India during a grand ceremony held at the prestigious Rashtrapati Bhavan on 29th August 2016.

The Subroto Mukerjee Football Tournament continues to be a binding force, igniting the embers of passion and cultivating a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.

With the indomitable Air Force Sports Control Board at the helm, the Subroto Cup continues to soar to greater heights, leaving a lasting legacy in the realms of sportsmanship and excellence.