Young Female Athletes Shine At Friends Cup 2025 In Ambedkar Stadium

The Second Friends Cup Girls’ Football Tournament 2025 was inaugurated amid great enthusiasm at Ambedkar Stadium, Delhi Gate, New Delhi.

Organised by Friends United Football Club (FUFC), the event features 16 teams representing NGOs and underprivileged communities in the Delhi-NCR region.

The tournament seeks to empower young girls through sports, fostering equality, discipline, and confidence.

Organisers observed a two-minute silence before the inauguration to honour the late Mr Bhatia and Mr Rais for their invaluable contributions to football development in Delhi.

This gesture underscored the tournament’s commitment to recognising pioneers who laid the foundation for football in the region.

Chief Guest Mr Amit Kumar Sharma, IRS, former Additional Commissioner of Income Tax and former DC of Shahdara North Zone (MCD), and currently CVO (NFL), graced the event.

Praising the initiative, Mr Sharma stated, “The Friends Cup organised by Friends United Football Club for NGO girls is an admirable effort. This tournament is not just a competition; it is a movement of inclusion and empowerment.”

Several other distinguished guests, social workers, and sports enthusiasts attended the inauguration, motivating the participants to play with dedication, discipline, and self-confidence.

Tournament Highlights and Schedule

The competition will continue until 9 October 2025, featuring knockout matches that will determine the champions.

Organisers have also arranged a special Blind Football exhibition match to highlight inclusivity and adaptive sports.

The tournament provides a platform for young female athletes to showcase their talent, develop teamwork, and build resilience in a competitive environment.

Representatives and officials from Friends United Football Club, including Mr Sudhir Kumar Sharma, Mr Ajay Kumar, Mr Rakesh Jinsi, Mr Bijendra Kumar, Mr Bharat Bhushan Nautiyal, Mr Manoj Neva, Mr Sunil Datt, Mr Vikram Singh Negi, Ms Sakshi Chawla, Mr Pradeep Arora, Mr Lokesh Panchal, Mr Shyam Nath, and Mr Rakesh Sehgal, were present to oversee the event and encourage active participation.

Their involvement reflects the club’s dedication to promoting football, particularly among underprivileged girls.

The Friends Cup 2025 stands as a milestone in empowering young girls through football, combining athletic development with social inclusivity.

By providing access to competitive sports, mentorship, and community support, the tournament aims to create a lasting impact on participants, inspiring them to pursue their ambitions both on and off the field.