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As part of the inaugural session of SCORECARD 2015, a national conference on sports organized here in the capital, the Indian Air Force Sports Control Board unveiled the trophy for the upcoming Subroto Cup.
Since its inception in 1960, the tournament has grown immensely in stature and the 56th edition of the tournament this year will witness the highest ever participation of 104 teams, including 93 from India and 11 from other parts from the world. Primarily an inter-school event, 10 club teams would also vie for honours this year.
Present at the event along with other luminaries were Air Marshall BBP Sinha, AOA Air Commodore G Amar Babu, Chairman OC, Wing Cdr Vijay Yadav, Hony Sec General, OC and Squadron Leader Shouvik Bhattacharya, all of whom emphasized on how the efforts have been increased manifold to ensure the tournament this year, is bigger than ever before.
Talking exclusively to Sportskeeda immediately after the unveiling, Squadron Leader Bhattacharya said, “As defence services, we have taken Subroto Cup forward as our legacy and heritage. We are indeed proud of providing this unique platform for football to school children across the country for last 50 odd years. By corporate yardsticks, the tournament is a priceless entity. However, much needs to be done to acquire a corporate makeover before we set our foot on to bigger things.”
He also asserted how the stakes have been upped this year, “As part of our endeavour to make the tournament grow, we have enhanced the prize money in each category. An amount of 26 lakhs will be awarded to winners in total. Also, the best and most promising player in each category will be bestowed with a laptop.
With the intention of motivating the participants further, 25 outstanding players in each category will be selected by a special jury and felicitated with a scholarship which will cover their footballing expenses for one year.”
Here’s hoping though that the 56th edition of the tournament provides us with a spectacle like never before and the legacy that Squadron Leader Bhattacharya fondly referred to, shall continue to grow even more.
