Mussoorie | August 1, 2026 | AntarSaga News Desk
The spirit of football returned to the Queen of the Hills on Saturday as the 53rd St. George’s College Heritage Cup (Jackie) Invitational Football Tournament 2026 was inaugurated with great enthusiasm at St. George’s College, Mussoorie. Widely regarded as one of Uttarakhand’s oldest and most prestigious school and club football competitions, the tournament will run from August 1 to August 14, bringing together 24 teams from leading educational institutions and football clubs across Mussoorie and the surrounding region.
For over five decades, the Heritage Cup has remained a cornerstone of Mussoorie’s sporting calendar, providing a platform for young footballers to showcase their talent while promoting discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership. Many players who have competed in this tournament have gone on to represent their districts, states and even the nation, making it one of the most respected grassroots football competitions in the region.
Grand Opening Ceremony
The tournament was inaugurated by Amit Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Uttarakhand, Additional Director General of Uttarakhand Police, and the first Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Sports University.
The chief guest was warmly welcomed with a ceremonial presentation of a sapling, symbolising environmental conservation and sustainable values. Students, teachers, sports officials and football enthusiasts gathered in large numbers to witness the opening ceremony.
In his address, Amit Kumar Sinha congratulated St. George’s College for successfully organising the Grand Opening Ceremonytournament for more than fifty years and praised the institution for preserving one of the finest football traditions in Uttarakhand.
He said that sports are among the most effective means of developing discipline, patience, resilience, leadership qualities and team spirit among young people. Encouraging the participating teams, he urged players to compete with honesty, dedication and respect for their opponents.
He emphasised that true victory is not measured solely by trophies but by the character, integrity and sportsmanship displayed both on and off the field. He also encouraged the participants to make the most of the opportunity to learn, improve their skills and enjoy the spirit of competitive football.
Following his address, the chief guest was presented with a commemorative memento as well as a beautifully crafted portrait prepared by students of St. George’s College.
He later met the players of the opening fixture, interacted with both teams, participated in the ceremonial toss and officially declared the tournament open by kicking the match ball.
Opening Day Results
The opening fixture between St. George’s College C and Hampton Court School produced an exciting contest that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Hampton Court School took the lead in the 42nd minute through Suraj, who finished clinically after sustained pressure. However, St. George’s College C responded almost immediately, with Ayushman finding the equaliser in the 44th minute, ensuring both teams shared the points after an entertaining opening encounter.
The second match of the day featured Blue Football Club against Bhatta Sports Club. The closely fought contest also concluded in a 1-1 draw, reflecting the competitive nature expected throughout the tournament.
Participating Teams
A total of 24 teams are competing in this year’s tournament:
Mussoorie Madrid Club
Bhatta Sports Club
Blue Football Club
Eleven Star Club
Khetwala Sports Club
Aryan Sports Club
Kyarkuli Sports Club
Yuva Sports Club
Shiva Sports Club
Manor Boys Club
Manorite
Mussoorie Boys Sports Club
Doon Valley Public School
St. George’s College B
Oak Grove School
Aryan School
Mussoorie Public School
Wynberg Allen School B
St. George’s College C
Hampton Court School
Wynberg Allen School A
St. George’s College A
Navchetan Sports Club
Mussoorie United Football Club
The tournament will continue over the coming two weeks with league-stage and knockout matches expected to deliver exciting football and provide a valuable opportunity for emerging players to display their abilities.
Dignitaries Present
The inaugural ceremony was attended by several distinguished members of the St. George’s College community and sports fraternity, including:
Brother Jeyaseelan S. – Principal, St. George’s College
Brother Britto – Superior & Sports Secretary
Brother Sylvanus Kerketta – Vice Principal
Brother Lawrence Kujur – Assistant Sports Secretary
Brother Nithin Mitterly
Anand Thapa – Sports Coordinator
Abhishek Negi – District Sports Officer
Members of the Sports Department, faculty, students, players and football supporters.
A Legacy Beyond Competition
More than just a football tournament, the St. George’s College Heritage Cup has become an enduring symbol of Mussoorie’s sporting culture. For 53 years, it has inspired generations of young athletes, strengthened inter-school and club rivalries in the true spirit of sportsmanship, and helped nurture football talent from the hills of Uttarakhand.
As the tournament progresses over the next two weeks, football lovers across Mussoorie will once again witness fierce competition, memorable performances and the continued celebration of a sporting tradition that has become an integral part of the town’s identity.