63rd Subroto Cup International Football Tournament

The Subroto Cup International Football Tournament, a premier inter-school football competition, celebrated its 63rd edition in 2024. This prestigious event, which attracts participants from both India and abroad, concluded with an exciting finale on September 11, 2024, in New Delhi.

Tournament Overview

Venue and Duration

The tournament for the under-17 boys category took place in the heart of India’s capital, New Delhi, spanning from September 2 to September 11, 2024.

Participants

While primarily an Indian inter-school competition, the Subroto Cup has grown to include international participants. The 2024 edition saw participation from school teams representing Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka in the U-17 Boys category, adding an international flavor to the tournament.

The Grand Finale

Match Details

The final match of the U-17 Boys category was a thrilling encounter between two talented teams:

1. Manipur’s TG English School
2. Meghalaya’s Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School

Match Progression

The finale proved to be a nail-biting affair:

Regulation Time: The match ended in a 1-1 draw

• 32nd minute: Namdigong from Manipur’s team opened the scoring
• 64th minute: Banpliebok Khongjoh from Meghalaya’s team equalized

Penalty Shootout

With the teams deadlocked after regulation time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout:

• Final Score: Manipur’s TG English School emerged victorious with a 4-3 win in the shootout

Award Ceremony

The trophy presentation was graced by distinguished guests:

• Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari
• Harmilan Bains (2022 Asian Games double silver medallist in track and field)

Prizes

The winners and runners-up were rewarded for their outstanding performances:

Winners (Manipur’s TG English School):

• Trophy
• Cheque for Rs 5 lakhs

Runners-up (Meghalaya’s Myngken Christian Higher Secondary School):

• Cheque for Rs 3 lakhs

History and Organization of the Subroto Cup

Origins

The tournament has a rich history dating back to 1960:

• Named in memory of Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee
• Established following his untimely death in 1958
• Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society formed in 1960 under the Indian Air Force

Evolution

The Subroto Cup has expanded over the years:

• 1960: First edition held in New Delhi
• Initial years: Only U-17 boys category
• 1998: Introduction of U-14 Boys category
• 2012: Addition of Girls’ U-17 category

Organizational Changes

The tournament’s management has seen transitions:

• Initially: Organized by the Durand Football Tournament Committee (known for managing the Durand Cup, India’s oldest club-level football tournament)
• 1994 onwards: Air Force Sports Control Board took over the responsibility

Significance of the Subroto Cup

The Subroto Cup International Football Tournament holds a special place in India’s sporting calendar:

1. Grassroots Development: Provides a platform for young talent to showcase their skills
2. National Integration: Brings together teams from various states of India
3. International Exposure: Inclusion of foreign teams offers Indian players a taste of international competition
4. Legacy: Continues the vision of Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee in promoting sports among the youth
5. Talent Scouting: Serves as a scouting ground for future football stars