Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram): A new chapter is set to unfold in the sporting history of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as the Islands’ U-17 girls’ football team prepares to make its maiden appearance in the prestigious 65th Subroto Mukerjee Cup International Football Tournament-2026, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from August 18 to 27.
The landmark participation marks the first time an Andaman & Nicobar U-17 girls’ team will compete in the internationally recognised school football championship, giving the young players an opportunity to test their skills against some of the country’s strongest school teams.
The team, comprising promising footballers from Govt. Girls’ Senior Secondary School, earned its place in the national championship after emerging victorious in the State-level Football Tournament held in April this year. Determined to make their historic debut count, the players have undergone an intensive coaching programme since May 5 at Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram. The training has been conducted under the supervision of a qualified coach and Physical Education Teachers, with emphasis on technical skills, tactical discipline, fitness and match preparedness.
A blessing and send-off ceremony was recently organised at Netaji Stadium to wish the team success ahead of its departure for New Delhi. Purva Garg, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, attended the ceremony as Chief Guest and extended her best wishes to the young footballers.
Interacting with the players and officials, Garg encouraged the team to play with confidence, discipline and determination and give its best on the national stage. She expressed hope that the young footballers would put up a commendable performance and bring pride to the Islands through their historic participation. Archana Singh, Principal, Govt. Girls’ Senior Secondary School, was also present at the ceremony.
For the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the tournament is more than just another sporting engagement. It represents a significant breakthrough for girls’ football in the Islands, providing young players with exposure to high-level competition and a platform to showcase their talent beyond the UT.
As the team heads to New Delhi, expectations are high—but so is the significance of the occasion. Whatever the outcome, the Islanders’ young footballers have already secured a place in the sporting history of the Islands by becoming the first U-17 girls’ team from Andaman & Nicobar to enter the Subroto Mukerjee Cup. The boys counterpart of the Islands had to their credit of lifting Subroto Mukherjee Football Trophy on a number of occasions in the past.
