20th Administrator’s Challenge Cup Football Tournament 2026 (Under-17 Boys) Begins 

Chandigarh, Jan 20

Sports Department, Chandigarh Administration organized the Opening Ceremony of the 20th Administrator’s Challenge Cup Football Tournament 2026 (Under-17 Boys) today, at the Sports Complex, Sector 42, Chandigarh.

The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome of the Chief Guest, Prerna Puri, IAS, Secretary Sports, Chandigarh Administration. Other dignitaries present on the occasion included K. P. Singh (President, Chandigarh Football Association), Dr. Mahender Singh (Joint Director Sports, Chandigarh Administration), Kuldeep Singh (AC – F&A) and Dr. Bhagwant Singh (IYA).

The highlight of the opening ceremony was a colourful March Past by all 18 participating teams, accompanied by the Chandigarh Police Band. This was followed by the oath-taking ceremony, wherein all teams pledged to uphold the spirit of fair play, discipline and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

On the occasion, the Chief Guest released the souvenir of the 20th edition of the Administrator’s Challenge Cup Football Tournament 2026 and formally declared the tournament open. Thereafter, the teams of the inaugural match were introduced to the dignitaries.

The opening match of the tournament was played between Rajasthan United Football Club (Alwar, Rajasthan) and RBDSA (Meghalaya). The match was ceremonially inaugurated with the kick-off by the Chief Guest. This was followed by the release of tricolour balloons, marking the official commencement of the tournament.

RESULTS (20 January 2026)

In Match – 1, Rajasthan United FC (Alwar, Rajasthan) lost 0–2 to RBDSA (Meghalaya), with goals by Pynshngain Khapew in the 11th minute and Richmon Lapang in the 90+2 minute; cautions were issued to Mayank Shukla and Abi Gurung of Rajasthan United FC.

In Match – 2, Minerva Football Academy defeated Punjab Sporting Academy (Amritsar) 1–0, with the goal scored by Tony Hwdrom in the 37th minute; cautions went to Maninder Pal and Arsh of Punjab Sporting Academy. 

In Match – 3, Ambedkar Football Academy (Nadia, West Bengal) fell 0–2 to Baba Fateh Singh Football Academy (Fatehgarh Sahib), with goals by Gaganjot in the 8th minute and Yuvraj Singh in the 69th minute; cautions were given to Parveen Pawar, Souwardya Sarkar, and Aritra Mukherjee of Ambedkar Football Academy.