Special Olympics Bharat Celebrates Gothia Cup Triumph in Sweden
Celebrating Success at the Gothia Cup
On July 22, a touching ceremony was held by Special Olympics Bharat in New Delhi to honor the outstanding achievements of the Special Olympics Bharat boys' team and the Haryana U-15 Girls' Team at the Gothia Cup 2025 in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Yogesh Kumar, the captain of the boys' team, expressed his feelings during the event. "It was an incredible experience," he communicated through gestures, with a translator assisting.
He shared, "This was my first time playing outside India. The atmosphere was wonderful. I also took my first flight and played international football for the first time. Being the captain made it even more special," he added.
Yogesh demonstrated exceptional leadership and tactical insight throughout the tournament. Reflecting on their matches, he recounted, "We faced a challenging tournament. We won our first match 1-0, the second 2-0, and the third 3-0. I guided my teammates on when to advance, when to defend, and how to maintain our strategy."
For a debut international player, Yogesh's leadership was commendable. He also praised the arrangements in Sweden, stating, "The food was excellent, and our accommodations were very comfortable. We enjoyed every moment. The tournament was a test of both mental and skill-based challenges," he remarked.
Looking to the future, the captain has ambitious aspirations. "I aim to compete in the World Games next. That’s my ultimate goal," he expressed.
The Special Olympics Bharat boys' team showcased remarkable determination, successfully defending their title and becoming Gothia Cup champions for the second year in a row. Their journey exemplified confidence, teamwork, and the ability to overcome challenges, embodying the spirit of the inclusive movement they represent.
India claimed the 2025 Gothia Cup after a dominant performance in the final, defeating Poland 3-1. Ankush Kumar scored two goals (8', 14'), while Saheer Muhammad added another (29'), shining as the stars of the match. Saheer also emerged as India's top goalscorer with a total of 7 goals, followed by Ankush and Stalin Kumar with 3 and 2 goals, respectively.