The report says 10 players will receive scholarships, providing recognition beyond the final standings. The overall prize fund is also expected to be more than double the amount offered in previous editions.
That added incentive could give the tournament extra significance for players seeking a pathway into academy football, college programmes or higher-level competition. In school football, visibility can matter almost as much as the trophy, particularly for players who have not yet entered established development systems.
Organisers say more than 45 school teams from across the Delhi-NCR region are set to participate, with more than 1,500 student-athletes expected to be involved. The schedule is projected to include over 50 matches across the 10-day event.
The boys’ Under-17 competition is expected to contain more than 25 teams, while the girls’ Under-19 category is due to feature over 16 sides. That balance is especially important for the women’s game, with participation in the girls’ competition reportedly rising since the Oriental Cup began in 2023.
Founder Fareed Bakshi has described the immediate goal as delivering the strongest edition so far, while also outlining ambitions to expand the competition across several Indian states. The organisers are reportedly targeting 50 teams before the opening day and are working with football influencers in Delhi to build awareness.
The next test will be turning that ambition into a consistently high-quality event. If the Oriental Cup can combine strong competition with meaningful scholarships, its July edition could become a valuable reference point for school football in the capital - and a launchpad for the tournament’s wider expansion.