Two teams to represent India in Gothia Cup football tournament in Sweden

Defending champions Special Olympics Bharat boys team and Haryana under-15 girls side will represent India in the Gothia Cup youth football tournament to be held in Gothenburg, Sweden from July 13-19. The Gothia Cup is the world's largest youth football tournament, which will be celebrating its 50th edition this year. This iconic tournament will bring together over 1900 teams from more than 70 countries, making it the world's largest and most inclusive youth football tournament.

Beyond the game, the Gothia Cup is a powerful platform for global unity, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment through football. The Indian teams are supported Swedish company SKF's 'Meet the World' initiative, which is transforming the football landscape across continents.

The Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi hosted a vibrant send-off ceremony on Thursday for the two Indian teams. The event was graced by Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, Haryana sports minister Gaurav Gautam, president of Special Olympics Bharat Mallika Nadda, All India Football Federation chief Kalyan Chubey among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Jan Thesleff said: "The Gothia Cup is more than just a football tournament, it's a celebration of the unifying spirit of sports, building bridges between cultures. India's participation highlights the growing role of sports in empowering youth, promoting inclusion, and connecting communities across borders." Special Olympics Bharat chief Nadda added: "Our 'Each One Reach One' vision is more than just a motto; it is a commitment to creating a society that embraces every child, every ability, and every opportunity.

"I have had the privilege of witnessing the confidence and the sense of purpose that sports bring to the lives of these athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are proud to be a part of their journey, and we look forward to seeing them fly the tricolour high at Sweden." Earlier this year, SKF India's Meet the World Football Tournament was held in partnership with Special Olympics Bharat, Haryana Football Association with Manav Rachna Educational Institutions as training partner.