61st Subroto Cup begins with glittering opening ceremony and a celebration of sport

New Delhi, Tuesday, September 06 2022: The 61st edition of the Subroto Cup International Football Tournament began after a gap of two years, here at the Dr. B.R Ambedkar Stadium, marking the start of the most prestigious football tournament for schools all over the country. The tournament, organised by the Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society (SMSES) along with the Air Force Sports Control Board, witnessed a glittering opening ceremony. The Chief Guest for the occasion Air Marshal K. Anantharaman VSM, Air Officer-in-Charge Administration and Vice Chairman, (SMSES), kicked-off the first match in the Under-14 Boys category between National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Chandigarh. Air Marshal RK Anand VSM, Director General (Administration) was also present for the occasion to witness the impressive ceremony followed by the match. IAF Commonwealth Games 2022 medal winners in weightlifting, Junior Warrant Officers Vikas Thakur and Junior Warrant Officer Gururaja were present as Guests of honour. The match was draw between NCC team and Chandigarh Team.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Officer-in-Charge Administration said “The legacy of the Subroto Cup is worth its weight in gold and it represents the need for children to be involved in sport and physical activities as much as studies, during these crucial formative years of their lives. Our champion athletes and Guest of Honour JWO Vikas thakur and JWO Gururaja are the best examples of what sporting excellence can achieve. I wish all the participating teams l the very best and hope to see a confluence of young sporting talent compete ferociously, but with sporting spirit and discipline, something which sport imbibes in you for life.”

The Chief Guest, felicitated the Guests of Honour and Air Force Football Veterans on the occasion.

The opening ceremony also saw a performance by Air Warrior Drill Team and a cultural programme involving School Children from The Air Force School & Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute. Before the start the oath of fair-play was also administered to the teams and Air Force Band enthralled the spectators during half-time.