Football

Subroto Cup: Three Teams Disqualified for Fielding Overage PlayersThe 63rd Subroto Cup sub-junior boys international football tournament has witnessed the disqualification of three teams for fielding overage players. Nazareth Model High School (Assam), Nehru Public School (Bihar), and Ultou Government Model High School (Manipur) have been removed from the competition.The disqualification was announced by the Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society, which operates under the Air Force Sports Control Board. An official release stated that the teams were found to have fielded more than four players above the age limit.A Skeletal Age Estimation Test was conducted in accordance with tournament regulations and All India Football Federation (AIFF) criteria. The results of matches played by the disqualified teams on Day 1 have been declared null and void.Reports on three other teams from Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra are pending and will be received on Tuesday. A decision on their status will be made based on those results.In the previous edition of the Subroto Cup, 16 teams were disqualified for fielding overage players. This issue has been a persistent problem in youth football tournaments, raising concerns about the integrity of the competition and the well-being of young athletes.The Subroto Cup is one of the most prestigious youth football tournaments in India, attracting teams from across the country and abroad. The tournament aims to promote football at the grassroots level and provide a platform for young players to showcase their skills.The disqualification of teams for fielding overage players highlights the importance of age verification and adherence to tournament regulations. It also serves as a reminder that the integrity of youth sports must be maintained to ensure fair play and the development of young athletes.