The Oriental Cup: A Premier School Football Tournament Returns to Delhi-NCR
The Oriental Cup's Fourth Edition Set to Kick Off
The Oriental Cup, recognized as one of the fastest-growing school football tournaments in the Delhi-NCR region, is gearing up for its fourth edition later this year. This tournament aims to provide a structured and competitive environment for young football enthusiasts to display their skills and love for the sport.
Establishing a Legacy in School Sports
Launched in 2023 by student-athlete Fareed Bakshi, the Oriental Cup has rapidly become a key event in Delhi's school sports calendar. According to a recent press release, the tournament has successfully united hundreds of student-athletes from top schools in the area over its first three editions, promoting excellence in sports, teamwork, and community involvement through football.
The last tournament, which took place in July 2025 at the renowned Dr. Ambedkar Stadium, featured 36 school teams competing in both boys' and girls' categories. Delhi Public School, RK Puram, triumphed in the boys' division, while Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Faridabad, secured the girls' championship. Previous years have seen champions like Air Force School, Subroto Park, Apex School, and two-time girls' champions Sanskriti School, highlighting the increasing competitiveness and talent in school football.
A Vision for the Future of Youth Football
The tournament's steady growth over the past three years has solidified its status as a recognized platform for school football in Delhi-NCR. It attracts participation from leading educational institutions while emphasizing grassroots player development. Co-Founder Fareed Bakshi expressed, "What started as a vision to create more opportunities for school footballers has transformed into a platform that unites young athletes, schools, coaches, and supporters from across the region. The feedback we've received over the last three years has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to building on that success. Our goal remains the same: to offer student-athletes meaningful competitive experiences while nurturing a robust football culture at the school level."
Encouraging Inclusivity and Player Growth
A key aim of the tournament is to boost female participation in football. The last edition saw over 200 girls competing, showcasing the sport's rising popularity among both genders and within the girls' football community.
The Oriental Cup prioritizes inclusivity, sportsmanship, and player development, fostering an environment where young athletes can compete at high levels while gaining invaluable experience both on and off the field.