Defending champions Special Olympics Bharat boys’ team and the Haryana U-15 girls’ side are set to represent India at the prestigious Gothia Cup, the world’s largest youth football tournament, to be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from July 13 to 19. The 2024 edition marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic Gothia Cup, which will feature over 1,900 teams from more than 70 countries. Known for its diversity and scale, the tournament is not only a celebration of football talent but also a powerful platform for cultural exchange, youth empowerment, and global unity through sport. India’s Participation Backed by ‘Meet the World’ Initiative The Indian teams are supported by SKF’s global initiative, Meet the World, which aims to transform young lives through football across different continents. Earlier this year, SKF India organized its Meet the World Football Tournament in collaboration with Special Olympics Bharat, the Haryana Football Association, and Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, who served as the training partner. A spirited send-off ceremony was hosted by the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi on Thursday to celebrate the teams’ departure. The event saw participation from prominent dignitaries including Sweden’s Ambassador to India, Jan Thesleff; Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam; Special Olympics Bharat President Mallika Nadda; and All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey. Ambassador Thesleff said, “The Gothia Cup is more than just a football tournament—it’s a celebration of the unifying spirit of sport, building bridges between cultures. India’s participation highlights the growing role of sports in empowering youth, promoting inclusion, and connecting communities across borders.” Mallika Nadda echoed the sentiment, saying, “Our ‘Each One Reach One’ vision is more than a motto; it’s a commitment to building a society that embraces every child, every ability, and every opportunity. I have witnessed the confidence and purpose that sport instills in athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are proud to be part of their journey and look forward to seeing them fly the tricolour high in Sweden.” (with PTI inputs)