Oriental Cup Gears Up For Season 3: Know Everything About The ISL-Style League For Youngsters
The 2025 edition will have a three-stage format, starting with qualifier rounds followed by league phase and culminating in finals for both boys' and girls' categories. The Oriental Cup is steadily growing into a key event on Delhi's school sports calendar. The tournament has already seen two successful seasons. Air Force School, Subroto Park and Apex School have claimed the boys' titles in 2023 and 2024 respectively while Sanskriti School has maintained a dominant presence in the girls' division, winning both previous seasons.
Speaking at the event, co-founder Fareed Bakshi emphasised the tournament's larger mission. 'The Oriental Cup goes beyond just competition. It's about building a space where school athletes across Delhi can play, grow, and feel a sense of community through football. We're excited to welcome new teams and continue expanding the legacy we began just two years ago.'
Speaking at the press conference, Rizwan-ul-Haq, vice president, Delhi Soccer Association, shared his endorsement of the tournament's growing impact. 'The Delhi Soccer Association is delighted to acknowledge the initiative taken by Mr. Fareed Bakshi in launching this school-level football tournament three years ago. Since its inception, the tournament has shown remarkable growth each year and is making a significant contribution to the development of youth football in Delhi. Such initiatives offer young athletes a valuable platform to demonstrate their skills and potential,' he said.
The organizers invite students, coaches and football fans from across Delhi to follow the tournament, support their schools and be part of a growing movement aimed at nurturing football talent and fostering sportsmanship.
About Oriental Cup
The Oriental Cup is an emerging school football tournament in Delhi, founded in 2023 by student-athletes Fareed Bakshi and Zahan Sawhney. Now in its third season, the tournament provides a structured and inclusive platform for school athletes of all genders, encouraging competitive play and sportsmanship. The Oriental Cup aims to foster a community where young players can grow, learn, and celebrate the spirit of football - laying the groundwork for what aspires to become a long-standing tradition in Delhi's school sports landscape.
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