India's Special Olympics Bharat Football Team Set for Gothia Cup Challenge

The Special Olympics Bharat football team is gearing up for the Gothia Cup in Sweden, aiming to secure a historic third consecutive title. With a warm send-off from dignitaries, the team, comprising 10 athletes and 2 coaches, is ready to represent India on the global stage. The Gothia Cup, the largest youth football tournament, will see nearly 1,700 teams competing. As the team embarks on this journey, they carry the hopes of their nation, striving to continue their winning streak. Read on to discover more about their preparations and aspirations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 23:47 IST

Warm Send-Off for India's Special Olympics Football Team

On July 10, the Special Olympics Bharat football team received a heartfelt farewell at the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi as they prepared to depart for the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg. The reigning champions are on a mission to achieve a remarkable hat-trick of titles in the Special Olympics Trophy category.

The Gothia Cup, recognized as the largest youth football tournament globally, is scheduled to take place in Gothenburg, Sweden, from July 12 to 18, featuring nearly 1,700 teams from around the world.

During the send-off event, Delhi Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood commended the team's past accomplishments and expressed his hopes for their success in securing a third consecutive title.

“Today, a team of children with intellectual challenges is heading to Sweden under the banner of Special Olympics Bharat to compete in the esteemed Gothia Cup, which has been held since 1975. They are striving for a hat-trick of victories, aiming to win the title for the third time. I also applaud the formation of such a dynamic team and the establishment of a robust sports ecosystem in our country,” Sood remarked.

Sweden's Ambassador to India, Jan Thesleff, praised the Indian team as champions and representatives of both nations, emphasizing the importance of the Gothia Cup.

“Today is a significant occasion. This marks the third send-off ceremony we have hosted for the Special Olympics Bharat team participating in the Gothia Cup. While the World Cup is currently underway, the Gothia Cup stands out as the largest tournament of its kind, with 1,700 teams involved. This Indian team has claimed the title twice in succession. The players heading to Gothenburg tonight are true champions and ambassadors, embodying the pride of both India and Sweden. I am delighted to host them and witness their growth and achievements,” he stated.

The ceremony was graced by dignitaries including Jan Thesleff, Ashish Sood, Sujeeth Pai, Director of Manufacturing Operations for India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East at SKF India, along with representatives from Special Olympics Bharat and SKF.

The Indian contingent consists of 12 members, including 10 athletes and two coaches, representing nine states and Union Territories. The team was selected after a four-day national qualifying tournament held at the Centre for Defence Sports in Gwalior in April, where over 150 athletes from 16 states participated.

Following their selection, the athletes underwent several national training camps to prepare for their representation of India in Sweden.

Having won the Special Olympics Trophy in the last two editions, the Indian team is now eager to make history by clinching an unprecedented third consecutive title in Gothenburg.