Special Olympics Bharat on Friday flagged off India's football team for the Gothia Cup 2026 at the send-off ceremony held at the Embassy of Sweden, New Delhi, for the event to be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from July 12 to July 18. The team will look to complete a hat-trick of titles after winning the previous two editions of the Special Olympics Trophy category.
The athletes received an encouraging send-off from a distinguished gathering led by Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, Ashish Sood, Minister of Home, Education, Power and Urban Development, Government of NCT of Delhi, Sujeeth Pai, Director - Manufacturing Operations, India, Southeast Asia and Middle East (ISEAM), SKF India (Industrial) Limited, Representative from Special Olympics Bharat & SKF. Their presence served as a tribute to the team’s rigorous preparation and a resounding vote of confidence as they head to Sweden for the world’s largest and most prestigious youth football tournament.
The Indian contingent comprises 10 athletes and two coaches representing nine states and Union Territories across the country. The team was selected through a four-day national qualifying tournament held at the Centre for Defence Sports (CDS), Gwalior, in April 2026. More than 150 athletes from 16 states participated in the selection process. The shortlisted players subsequently underwent multiple national training camps before earning their place in the final squad that will represent India in Gothenburg.
Founded in 1975, the Gothia Cup is held annually in Gothenburg, Sweden. The tournament brings together more than 1,900 teams from over 70 countries every year. Since 2011, the Special Olympics Trophy has provided athletes with intellectual disabilities an international platform to compete alongside teams from across the world.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat and Chairperson, Special Olympics Asia Pacific, said, "Our football team has made the entire nation proud by winning the Gothia Special Olympics Trophy in 2024 and successfully defending the title in 2025. As they travel to Sweden for Gothia Cup 2026, they have a remarkable opportunity to create history by becoming the first team to win the championship three consecutive times. I am confident they will give their very best and represent India and Special Olympics Bharat with pride, determination, and exemplary sportsmanship.
"I convey my best wishes to the entire team as they embark on this exciting journey. Whatever the outcome, they have already emerged as champions by inspiring countless people with their courage, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to excellence," she said.
Over the past three years, SKF India (Industrial) and Special Olympics Bharat have worked together to create opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete on the global stage. Their partnership has supported India's participation at the Gothia Cup through athlete selection, training, and international exposure.
SKF has partnered with the Gothia Cup for over two decades and has been a long-standing supporter of Special Olympics globally. In India, the partnership reflects the company's deep commitment to advancing inclusion through sport and creating opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest level.
Picture Courtesy: IANS
