Oriental Cup 2026: New Champions Emerge in Thrilling Finale
Exciting Conclusion to the Oriental Cup 2026
The Oriental Cup 2026 wrapped up on Thursday at Dr. Ambedkar Stadium after a week filled with thrilling football matches, culminating in the finals for both Boys and Girls categories. The final day showcased two electrifying matches where young athletes displayed remarkable skill and determination, as highlighted in a press release.
Champions Crowned
In a historic moment, G.D. Goenka School, Dwarka claimed their first Boys' title, while Bharti Public School emerged victorious in the Girls' category, marking both teams as inaugural winners of the Oriental Cup.
Awards and Recognition
The champions and runners-up received prestigious trophies along with cash prizes, concluding the tournament on a high note. Each winning team in the Boys and Girls categories was awarded ₹1,50,000, while the runners-up took home ₹75,000. Coaches of the winning teams were also honored, receiving ₹50,000 and ₹25,000 respectively.
Top Scorers Recognized
Kaartikya Kashyap Chugh from G.D. Goenka School and Dhwani Bidada from Modern School were recognized as the top scorers in their respective categories. Both players received football boots for their exceptional performances throughout the tournament.
Introduction of Scholarship Programme
This year's edition marked a significant advancement with the launch of a scholarship programme aimed at supporting young talent. A total fund of ₹2.5 lakh was established, awarding scholarships to 10 outstanding student-athletes, five from each category, in recognition of their dedication and performance.
Inaugural Scholarship Recipients
The first recipients of the Oriental Cup Scholarship Programme included: Boys - Kaartikya Kashyap Chugh (G.D. Goenka School), Ishan Pandey (Delhi Public School), Arnab Kashyap (The Air Force School), Riddhiman Singh (Step by Step School), Abhav Bhardwaj (Delhi Public School); Girls - Tanvie Gogoi (Vasant Valley School), Amina Abdali (Sanskriti School), Neetika Negi (Bharti Public School), Dhwani Bidada (Modern School), Somya (Government Girls Senior Secondary School). These awards were presented during the closing ceremony, celebrating their potential as future stars of Indian football.
Founder's Appreciation
Fareed Bakshi, the Founder of the Oriental Cup, congratulated the winners and expressed gratitude to all involved in the tournament's success. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and dedication in making the event a success and looked forward to an even grander edition next year.
Boys' Final Highlights
The Boys' final featured a thrilling match between G.D. Goenka School and Step by Step School. G.D. Goenka took an early lead with a stunning long-range goal from Neil Bhagat. Step by Step quickly equalized through Vansh Gulati, but G.D. Goenka regained the lead with a goal from Kaartikya Kashyap Chugh, ultimately winning 2-1.
Chief Guest's Praise
Sardar Singh, former captain of the Indian Men's Hockey Team, attended as the Chief Guest and praised the talent displayed during the tournament. He highlighted the importance of grassroots development in sports and commended the organizers for providing a platform for young athletes.
Girls' Final Decided by a Single Goal
In the Girls' final, Bharti Public School faced Modern School. After a cautious first half, Bharti Public School broke the deadlock with a goal from Nitika, securing a 1-0 victory and their first Oriental Cup title.
Exhibition Matches
The final day also featured exhibition matches between teams from NGOs Mera India Mera Adhikar (MIMA) and STRIVE, with STRIVE winning both matches decisively.
Successful Tournament Conclusion
The fourth edition of the Oriental Cup 2026 concluded successfully, showcasing over 1,500 student-athletes from more than 45 teams. With a doubled prize pool and the introduction of the scholarship programme, this year's tournament marked a significant milestone. The organizers are excited to plan for an even larger fifth edition next year.