SKF India, Special Olympics Bharat Flag Off India’s Football Team for Gothia Cup 2026

~ Team eyes historic hat-trick of titles at the world’s largest youth football tournament in Gothenburg, Sweden ~

New Delhi, July 2026 : SKF India (Industrial) (NSE: SKFINDUS | BSE: 544572), in partnership with Special Olympics Bharat, on Friday flagged off India’s football team for the Gothia Cup 2026 during a send-off ceremony held at the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi.

The Indian team will compete in the prestigious tournament scheduled to be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from July 12 to July 18, aiming to script history by winning the Special Olympics Trophy for a third consecutive year after clinching the title in both 2024 and 2025.

The athletes received an enthusiastic send-off in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India; Ashish Sood, Cabinet Minister for Home, Education, Power and Urban Development, Government of NCT of Delhi; Sujeeth Pai, Director – Manufacturing Operations, India, Southeast Asia and Middle East (ISEAM), SKF India (Industrial) Limited; and senior representatives from Special Olympics Bharat and SKF India.

The ceremony celebrated the team’s dedication, months of rigorous preparation and determination as they prepare to represent India at one of the world’s most prestigious youth football tournaments.

Speaking on the occasion, Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, said it was an honour to host the Indian contingent before their departure to Gothenburg.

“The Gothia Cup represents the values of inclusion, teamwork and friendship that Sweden deeply cherishes. We wish Team India every success and look forward to welcoming these talented athletes to Sweden as they showcase their skills and inspire audiences from around the world,” he said.

The Indian contingent comprises 10 athletes and two coaches, representing nine states and Union Territories from across the country. The squad was selected through a four-day national qualifying tournament held at the Centre for Defence Sports (CDS), Gwalior, in April 2026.

More than 150 athletes from 16 states participated in the selection trials. Following the qualifiers, the shortlisted players underwent multiple national coaching camps before earning a place in the final squad that will represent India at Gothenburg.

Congratulating the players, Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat and Chairperson of Special Olympics Asia Pacific, expressed confidence that the team could create history by becoming the first side to win the Special Olympics Trophy three years in succession.

“Our football team has made the entire nation proud by winning the Gothia Special Olympics Trophy in 2024 and defending the title successfully in 2025. Now they have the opportunity to become the first team to win the championship three consecutive times,” she said.

Dr. Nadda also thanked SKF India for its continued partnership and unwavering support towards empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities.

“SKF India’s commitment has enabled our athletes to compete on the international stage and pursue excellence through the transformative power of sport. Whatever the final outcome, these athletes are already champions because they inspire countless people through their courage, teamwork and determination,” she added.

Over the past three years, SKF India (Industrial) and Special Olympics Bharat have worked closely to create meaningful opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete globally. Their partnership has played a key role in athlete identification, training, preparation and international exposure ahead of the Gothia Cup.

Speaking at the event, Sujeeth Pai, Director – Manufacturing Operations, SKF India (Industrial) Limited, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusion through sport.

“At SKF India, we believe performance and progress thrive when everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Our partnership with Special Olympics Bharat reflects our commitment to inclusion, empowerment and creating pathways for talent to flourish. We are proud to support these exceptional athletes as they represent India on the global stage,” Pai said.

He added that the athletes’ determination, resilience and teamwork embody the values that SKF stands for and expressed confidence that their inspiring journey would motivate many more young athletes to pursue their dreams.

SKF has been associated with the Gothia Cup for over two decades and remains a long-standing global supporter of the Special Olympics movement. In India, the partnership underscores the company’s commitment to advancing inclusion through sports while creating opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete at the highest level.

Founded in 1975, the Gothia Cup is held annually in Gothenburg, Sweden, and is recognised as the world’s largest youth football tournament. Every year, the competition attracts more than 1,900 teams from over 70 countries. Since 2011, the Special Olympics Trophy has provided athletes with intellectual disabilities a unique international platform to compete alongside teams from across the globe, promoting inclusion, friendship and sporting excellence.