Subroto Cup U-14 Boys Roundup: Historic triumph of Minerva Public School

The competition was played in Bengaluru for the first time

The 62nd edition of the Subroto Cup International Football Tournament witnessed a historic twist as the Sub-Junior (U-14) Boys category kicked off in Bengaluru, marking the first time in history that the national championships of this illustrious inter-school football competition was played outside the national capital. The vibrant city of Bengaluru set the stage for young talents to shine, with the anticipation and excitement of the tournament filling the air.

In the 62nd Sub Junior (U-14) Boys Subroto Cup International Football Tournament, Manikpara High School, Jhargram, West Bengal, set the tone by trouncing Primary Marathi School, Silvasaa, DD & D&DNH 19-0 in a Group B clash, led by Avhi's five goals and hat-tricks from Dipu, Manik, and Sudip.

Meanwhile, in Group A, H.K Singh Memorial Secondary School, Meghalaya, secured a 3-0 win over Sainik School, Tilaiya, Jharkhand, with goals from Serene and Markatjuh. A thrilling start to the tournament showcased exceptional talent on the field. The tournament's opening matches set the stage for an unforgettable competition, with remarkable talent on full display.

But, the Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society (SMSES) revealed revised fixtures for the 62nd edition of the Sub Junior (U-14) Boys tournament in the Subroto Cup Inter School International Football Tournament, hosted for the first time in Bengaluru. This adjustment became necessary as 15 teams were disqualified for fielding overage players in their squads. 

In response, a Skeletal Age Estimation Test was conducted as per AIFF regulations, resulting in 87 players failing and 34 passing the test, with five results pending. Group matches were rescheduled to take place from October 2-4, 2023, at various Air Force venues in the city. SMSES, in collaboration with AIFF, took this step to ensure fair play and eliminate age fraud from the competition.

On Day 2 of the tournament, Mizoram and Tashi Namgyal Academy, Sikkim, both triumphed 13-0 against their opponents. Bampatner Bengenabari H.S.S, Assam, won 3-0. N.N.M.H.S.S Chelembra, Kerala, secured their first win, beating Mother's Pride Public School, Himachal Pradesh, 4-1, while Minerva Public School, Kerala, advanced with a 5-2 victory over Major Dhyanchand Sports College, Uttar Pradesh. Manikpara High School, West Bengal, dominated with a 10-0 win, and Strawberry Fields High School, Chandigarh, won 2-1 in the last match. 

Northeast teams dominated the quarterfinal lineup. Chawngfianga Middle School, Mizoram, played H.K Singh Memorial Secondary School, Meghalaya, while Manikpara High School, West Bengal, faced Tashi Namgyal Academy, Sikkim. N.N.M.H.S.S Chelembra, Kerala, competed against Minerva Public School, Punjab, and Strawberry Fields High School, Chandigarh, battled Bampatner Bengenabari H.S.S, Assam. 

In the final group matches, Manikpara High School secured a quarterfinal spot with a 2-0 win over Navarachana Higher Secondary School, and N.N.M.H.S.S Chelembra advanced with a 2-0 win over Oberoi International School, Mumbai. Don Bosco Perambur, Tamil Nadu, ended with a strong 9-0 victory over Army Public School, Bhuj, Gujarat.

In the same group, Bampatner Bengenabari H.S.S, Assam, secured a quarterfinal spot with a solitary goal win over Maharana Pratap Sports College, Uttarakhand. Strawberry Fields High School, Chandigarh, clinched their quarterfinal place with a 3-0 victory over Primary Marathi School, Silvassa, D&D & DNH, at the Air Force HQ Training Command. These teams set the stage for the quarterfinals.

The semi-finals were set, with Manikpara High School, Jhargram, facing Chawngfianga Middle School, Mizoram, and Bampatner Bengenabari H.S.S, Assam, taking on Minerva Public School, Punjab. In the first quarterfinal, Bampatner Bengenabari H.S.S dominated with a 9-0 win over Strawberry Fields High School, Chandigarh. 

Minerva Public School secured a last-minute victory against N.N.M.H.S.S Chelembra, Kerala, in the second quarterfinal. Manikpara High School advanced to the semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Tashi Namgyal Academy, Sikkim, in the third quarter-final. In the last quarterfinal, Chawngfianga Middle School, Mizoram, edged out H.K Singh Memorial Secondary School, Meghalaya, with a solitary goal by Isak Lalmalsawma.

Chawngfianga Middle School, Mizoram, secured a spot in the finals by dominating Manikpara High School, West Bengal, with a 5-0 win in the first semi-final at the ASC Centre. Mizoram took a quick three-goal lead in the first 15 minutes, with Isak Lalmalsawma scoring twice and Malsawmkima adding the third. Lalrvatoika and Vanlalmuana netted two more goals in the second half. In the second semi-final, 

Minerva Public School, Punjab, comfortably defeated Bampatner Bengenabari H.S.S, Assam, 4-1, with Azam and Rokash scoring early, Bastab pulling one back for Assam, and Rajesh and Azam sealing Minerva Public School's place in the finals.

Minerva Public School, Mohali, were crowned champions of the 62nd Subroto Cup Sub-Junior Boys (U-14 category) with a narrow victory over Chawngfianga School, Mizoram. Minerva, representing CISCE, secured their first-ever Subroto Cup Trophy as MD Azam Khan scored the decisive goal just before the final whistle with a beautiful header. 

The match was closely contested, with both teams displaying strong attacks early on. Lalruatdika from Chawngfianga School came close to scoring in the first half, while Minerva's defence held firm. In the second half, both teams continued to battle in midfield, and Azam Khan's late goal secured the championship for Minerva.

Mother's Pride Public School, Himachal Pradesh, received the Fair Play Award (Rs 50,000). Vivek Tanti from Bampatner Bengenabari H.S.S, Assam, was named the Best Goalkeeper (Rs 25,000). Ashu Kashyap of Minerva Public School, Mohali, received the Best Coach award (Rs 25,000). Chawngfianga Middle School, Mizoram, was honoured as the Best School (Rs 40,000).

Khangembam Bibash from Minerva Public School, Mohali, was named the Best Player and received a trophy (Rs 40,000). Chawngfianga Middle School, Mizoram, emerged as the Runners-Up and received a trophy and Rs 2,00,000, while Minerva Public School, Mohali, Punjab, representing CISCE, claimed the championship title, a trophy, and Rs 3,50,000.