MoS Sports Raksha Khadse Lauds Special Olympics Team For Gothia Cup Success
Union Minister Raksha Khadse praised the Special Olympics Bharat boys' football team for winning the Gothia Cup in Sweden.
On Monday, Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse praised the Special Olympics Bharat boys' football team for defending their title at the Gothia Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The Indian team triumphed over Poland with a 3-1 score to retain the trophy, which they also secured last year.
Saheer Muhammed emerged as the highest goal scorer for India with seven goals in the tournament, while Ankush Kumar netted three and Stalin Kumar scored two. Tarun Kumar and Biki Duley each contributed a goal.
What Is Gothia Cup?
The Gothia Cup, established in 2011, is the largest international youth football tournament and features the Special Olympics Trophy category, which offers a platform for athletes with varied cognitive abilities.
'The consecutive accomplishments of our Special Olympics Bharat team at the Gothia Cup are a profound statement of determination, resilience, and the limitless potential inherent in every individual," said Khadse as per a release.
'This embodies the true essence of Viksit Bharat – a developed India where every citizen is empowered, celebrated, and contributes significantly to our nation's collective glory. Our champions have not merely won a tournament; they have broken barriers and shattered stereotypes, inspiring countless individuals across our nation and beyond," she said.
The contingent consisted of 10 players and seven support staff, fully supported by the Sports Ministry.
The minister highlighted that the Gothia Cup's focus on empowering individuals with diverse cognitive abilities demonstrates the transformative power of sports in advancing health, education, and leadership.
Khadse added, 'The Gothia Cup triumph stands as a testament to the collaborative strength of government, corporates, and sports federations. This support ecosystem, nurtured by Special Olympics Bharat under the leadership of Mallika Nadda, with vital corporate backing, ensures that every victory, every effort, is truly 'ours' – a triumph for all of India."
This edition of the Gothia Cup saw participation from over 1900 teams from more than 70 countries, making it the world's largest and most inclusive youth football tournament.
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