Uttarakhand Challenge Football Cup 2026
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 26 Oct: The Uttarakhand Challenge Football Cup 2026, jointly organised by Dehradun Football Academy (DFA) and the Khelo Masters Games Foundation of Uttarakhand, concluded with exciting football matches. NDS Rishikesh emerged as champions in the Under-15 category, while the Garhwal Rifles Ex-Army Team won the title in the 50+ category.
Dr Virendra Singh Rawat, Founder President and Head Coach of Dehradun Football Academy and General Secretary of the Khelo Masters Games Foundation of Uttarakhand, reported that 16 teams in the Under-15 category and 12 teams in the 50+ category participated in the tournament from different parts of Uttarakhand. Approximately 500 players showcased their football skills in the competition, which was organised on a league-cum-knockout basis.
The organisers also made special arrangements for traditional Pahari food and tea for all the participating players. The players appreciated the traditional cuisine and congratulated Dr. Rawat and his team for successfully organising the tournament.
The Under-15 final was played between Dehradun Football Academy (DFA) and NDS Rishikesh. In an exciting encounter, Eklavya of NDS Rishikesh scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute, securing the championship for his team.
For his outstanding performance throughout the tournament, Eklavya was awarded as the Best Player of the Tournament. Kartik Rana of Dehradun Football Academy received the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
In the 50+ category final, the Garhwal Rifles Ex-Army Team displayed excellent football skills to defeat Uttarakhand FC 2–1 and lift the championship trophy.
Manish Sharma and Aman scored for the Garhwal Rifles Ex-Army Team, while Surendra Pun scored the lone goal for Uttarakhand FC.
Rahul Bijalwan of the Garhwal Rifles Ex-Army Team was awarded as the Best Goalkeeper, while Aman of Uttarakhand FC received the Best Player of the Tournament award.
The winning and runner-up teams and their players were honoured with trophies, medals, certificates, bags and cash prizes. Former Indian football player Kamal Singh Rawat, national-level player Vimal Singh Rawat, Manoj Negi, Khadak Bahadur and other dignitaries presented the awards.
The teams securing first and second positions received cash prizes of Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000, respectively.
Dr. Virendra Singh Rawat expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful organisation of the tournament. He particularly appreciated the efforts of referees Varun Chauhan, Himanshu Prajapati, Harshit, Manoj, Ashish Negi and other team members and supporters.
Dr Rawat stated that Dehradun Football Academy has been organising football tournaments for different age groups every year for the past 27 years. Through these initiatives, thousands of young players have received opportunities to develop their skills and pursue football. The academy has also made a significant contribution to developing coaches and referees.
He emphasised that sports encourage young people to stay away from substance abuse, excessive consumption of fast food and mobile phone addiction. Sports promote a healthy lifestyle, discipline, teamwork and the development of good character.
Dr Rawat further stated that the India Khelo Football North Zone National Trials will be held on 1 November at the Dehradun Football Academy ground, located at Bhagirathi Enclave, Gular Ghati Road, Dehradun.
Football players born between 2009 and 2016 will be eligible to participate in the trials. Players selected at this stage will get an opportunity to participate in the national trials scheduled for December. Those selected in the subsequent stage will have the opportunity to participate in the final selection process in Pune, Maharashtra.
