The fourth edition of the Oriental Cup is set to kick off on July 7, with organisers announcing the tournament’s biggest and most ambitious edition yet. Scheduled to run until July 16 at Delhi’s Dr. Ambedkar Stadium, the inter-school football competition will feature more than 45 teams from across the Delhi-NCR region.
Organisers have significantly increased the tournament’s prize pool, making it the richest in the event’s history. In another major boost for grassroots football, a ₹2.5 lakh scholarship programme has been introduced to support 10 deserving student-athletes, underlining the tournament’s commitment to nurturing young talent both on and off the field.
This year’s competition is expected to attract more than 1,500 participants and feature over 50 matches. The Boys’ Under-17 category will include over 25 teams, while the Girls’ Under-19 section has also expanded to more than 16 teams, reflecting the growing popularity of school football and greater opportunities for young female players.
Founded in 2023, the Oriental Cup has rapidly established itself as one of Delhi-NCR’s leading school football tournaments. Organisers say the expanded format, enhanced rewards and scholarship initiative are aimed at strengthening the pathway for aspiring footballers and encouraging wider participation at the grassroots level.
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