Bengaluru, Aug 20 (FN Agency) The 63rd edition of the prestigious Subroto Cup International Football Tournament commenced at AFS Jalahalli here on Monday. The Tournament to be held from August 19 to August 28, marks a significant moment in the history of Indian football as the event returns to the city following the successful 62nd edition held last year. Hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) under the aegis of the Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society (SMSES), the Subroto Cup is named in honor of Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee. Conceived in 1960, the tournament was established with the vision of promoting football at the grassroots level across India. This year, 38 teams from various states and Union Territories of India, along with three international teams from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, are competing in the tournament. The matches are spread across multiple venues, including HQ Training Command, ASC Centre (South), Air Force Station Yelahanka, and Air Force Station Jalahalli, with the final match scheduled to be held at ASC Centre (South) on August 28.
The tournament will be telecast live on Sports Cast India and Khelnow’s YouTube channels, with highlights available on Prasar Bharti and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) YouTube channels. Following the overwhelming success of the previous edition, the IAF decided to continue hosting the event in Bengaluru, recognizing the city’s enthusiasm for the sport. This year’s edition focuses on the Sub Junior Boys category, aiming to provide a platform for young talent to showcase their skills on an international stage. With a total of 71 matches lined up, the tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle for football enthusiasts and a significant stepping stone for the participating teams.