The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), in collaboration with SITDS, formally inaugurated the first-ever MCD Mini Football League 2026, one of the largest sporting events at the primary school level, at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium, Delhi Gate, today.
Inaugurating the first MCD Delhi Mini Football League, Mayor Pravesh Wahi informed the gathering that the initiative had been launched in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Khelo India and the National Education Policy, under the guidance of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta.
Approximately 1,200 young footballers representing nearly 120 registered teams in the Under-9 and Under-11 boys’ and girls’ categories are participating in this historic league. The stadium, filled with students from MCD schools, presented a spectacular sight during the inaugural ceremony.
On the occasion, Mayor Pravesh Wahi said, “This is a moment of great pride for me, as I was also a student of an MCD school. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is not only working towards cleanliness and establishing technology-driven biogas plants but is also providing excellent facilities in its schools and hospitals. I urge everyone to visit our MCD schools and hospitals and benefit from the quality facilities available there.”
The Mayor further stated that this visionary initiative of the Education Department aims to encourage children to move away from excessive mobile screen use and engage in outdoor sports. It will also help instil positive values such as discipline, teamwork and leadership among children.
The league is expected to nurture talented players from the grassroots level who may go on to become future Olympic champions for the country. From next year onwards, other sports, including kabaddi, kho-kho, table tennis and cricket, will also be incorporated into the league.
The Mayor expressed his gratitude to the State Bank of India, the principal sponsor, along with the Indian Railway Finance Corporation, Punjab National Bank, Nivia, the Delhi Soccer Association, Sports Apna and all other partners for their valuable support and encouragement.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chairman of the MCD Education Committee, Yogesh Verma, said that, keeping in mind the physical capabilities and age groups of children aged nine and eleven, each match has been designed in a fast-paced format comprising two 15-minute halves, with a five-minute break, making the total duration of each match 35 minutes. Each winning team will receive a prize of ₹1 lakh.
The inaugural match of the league was played between the girls’ teams of the South Zone and Central Zone, with the South Zone team emerging victorious.
More than 120 teams and over 1,200 young players from across Delhi have registered to participate in the league.
The End
