65th Subroto Cup set for 107 teams across two cities

A huge school-football stage

What still separates the Subroto Cup from many youth events is its breadth.

• Teams are expected from states, Union Territories and educational bodies
• Sri Lanka is set to provide international representation
• The focus stays on school-age players rather than academy systems alone

That matters in the Indian game. For many teenagers, school tournaments are still where visibility begins, reputations are built and first serious steps are taken. Sivakumar described the competition as a “platform for young athletes to take the next step in their careers”, and that feels central to the event’s identity.

Three sections, two cities, one long run

The tournament structure appears designed to keep the action moving across distinct age groups:

• Junior Girls Under-17: Delhi-NCR, 18-27 August
• Sub-Junior Boys Under-15: Bengaluru, 1-9 September
• Junior Boys Under-17: Delhi-NCR, 15-24 September

The report says Ambedkar Stadium, Tejas Football Ground, Subroto Park Football Ground, Pinto Park Football Ground and Rajokri Football Ground will be used in Delhi-NCR, while Air Force School Jalahalli, Air Force School Yelahanka and Subroto Football Ground Jalahalli are expected venues in Bengaluru.

Champions return with pressure on them

There is also a competitive edge beyond the pageantry.

• Farook Higher Secondary School hold the Junior Boys crown
• Betkuchi High School are the defending Junior Girls champions
• Minerva Public School won the Sub-Junior Boys title last year

With the tournament first conceived in 1960 to promote grassroots football, this year’s edition looks set to test how far that mission can still stretch. The next storyline to watch is simple: once the opening games begin in Delhi-NCR, which schools will turn this vast platform into something bigger for themselves?