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New Delhi, July 10, 2025 – The Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi hosted a vibrant send-off ceremony for two inspiring football teams: the Haryana India U-15 Girls’ Team and the Special Olympics Bharat Boys’ Team. These talented young athletes are gearing up to represent India at the prestigious Gothia Cup 2025 and the Gothia Special Olympics Trophy in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The Gothia Cup 2025 marks a significant milestone, celebrating its 50th edition. This iconic tournament brings together over 1900 teams from more than 70 countries, making it the world’s largest and most inclusive youth football tournament. Beyond the game, the Gothia Cup is a powerful platform for global unity, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment through football.
At the heart of this movement is SKF’s ‘Meet the World’ initiative, which is transforming the football landscape across continents. By providing underrepresented youth with opportunities to compete, connect, and grow on an international stage, SKF is helping young athletes dream and create a global legacy of access, equality, and inclusion in sports.
Gracing the event were distinguished dignitaries including H.E. Mr. Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India; Dr. Gaurav Gautam, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Sports & Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship in the Government of Haryana, Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat & Chairperson, Special Olympics Asia Pacific Advisory Council, Kalyan Chubey, President, All India Football Federation, Mr. Navneet Sehgal, Chairman, Prasar Bharti, Ms. Geeta Mandaviya, Chief Patron, Special Olympics Gujarat, Dr. Amit Bhalla, Chief Patron, Haryana Football Association & Vice-Chairman, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions; Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, Mr. Ranjan Kumar, Director, Legal, Sustainability & Corporate Affairs, SKF India & Southeast Asia; along with senior representatives from ministries, sporting bodies, and institutional partners.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Jan Thesleff remarked, “The Gothia Cup is more than just a football tournament, it’s a celebration of the unifying spirit of sports, building bridges between cultures. India’s participation highlights the growing role of sports in empowering youth, promoting inclusion, and connecting communities across borders. We are honored to welcome these talented young athletes to Sweden. Their passion, dedication, and sportsmanship are truly inspiring, and they carry with them the hopes and dreams of their nation.”
Dr. Gaurav Gautam, Honourable Minister from Haryana, shared: “There was a time when Haryana was known for its gender imbalance. Today, these young girls are rewriting that story, with football boots, not words. To see our daughters from rural heartlands flying to Sweden participating in prestigious Gothia Cup is a moment of immense pride for every Haryanvi. They are not just playing a game; they are playing for every girl who dared to dream. Haryana stands behind them, with pride in our hearts and belief in their journey.”
“At Special Olympics Bharat, we firmly believe that sports have the transformative power to shift mindsets, break down barriers, and create lasting change. As we proudly send off our incredible athletes to participate at the Gothia Cup, we are reminded of the immense potential that lies within each of them. They carry more than just a jersey; they carry the hopes and dreams of a nation, and the stories of their unwavering spirit and unrelenting passion.”, Dr. Gaurav Gautam added.
“Our ‘Each One Reach One’ vision is more than just a motto; it is a commitment to creating a society that embraces every child, every ability, and every opportunity. I have had the privilege of witnessing the confidence and the sense of purpose that sports bring to the lives of these athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We thank our partners especially SKF Group, who have extended their support. We are proud to be a part of their journey, and we look forward to seeing them fly the tricolour high at Sweden” said, Dr. Mallika Nadda, President, Special Olympics Bharat & Chairperson, Special Olympics Asia Pacific Advisory Council (APAC).
Dr. Amit Bhalla spoke of the larger significance of this moment: “This is more than just a proud day for sport it is a defining chapter in India’s story of transformation. Watching young girls from the rural heartlands of Haryana, and boys who have risen beyond ability challenges, now don the Indian jersey and prepare to compete on a global stage, is both humbling and historic. It reaffirms our collective commitment to the vision of ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Beti Khilao’, not just as a slogan, but as a lived reality. These special athletes are not just representing teams; they are carrying the aspirations of a new India, one that believes in inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity. Greatness isn’t born from privilege, it is shaped by perseverance, by belief, and by giving young people the right platform to thrive. Today, India’s daughters and sons are showing the world what’s possible when dreams are nurtured with trust, and talent is met with purpose.”
“Our goal has always been to create access, to help the underserved, no matter where they come from, to unlock their potential and to enable them find place in the world. Seeing these champions of change off to Gothia today is a proud reminder of why we do what we do.” Dr. Amit Bhalla added.
We believe that sports have the power to transform lives, break down barriers, and inspire greatness. We are committed to empowering these young athletes beyond this tournament, supporting their skilling and development, and helping them achieve their full potential in life. We want to be a part of their journey, not just a moment in time.” said, Mr. Ranjan Kumar, Director, Legal, Sustainability, Corporate Affairs, SKF India and Southeast Asia.
The most emotional moments of the event came from the players themselves.
Ritika, a defender from the Haryana India, said, “Where I come from, girls don’t usually play football, they watch from the side. Today, I’m travelling to another country to represent my own, I will take a flight for the very first time, such opportunities don’t come knocking every day, I am grateful, and I will give my best, I want every girl watching to know: if I can do it, so can you.”
Yogesh, a returning Special Olympics Bharat athlete who competed at Gothia 2024, shared, “Last year, I played my first match outside India at Gothia. I made friends from countries I had never even heard of. I learned how strong I could be. This year, I go back with more confidence and contribute to defending the title won last year for India. This tournament has given me a new perspective to life, a new purpose, people I meet recognise me for my playing abilities now.”
Earlier this year, SKF India’s Meet the World Football Tournament was held in partnership with Special Olympics Bharat, Haryana Football Association with Manav Rachna Educational Institutions as Training Partner and Iwill as Mental Wellness Partner bringing together teams from across India. Through mentorship, training, and steadfast support, SKF India along with its partners are giving wings to those who never imagined they could fly. These young athletes are not just playing a sport, they are becoming ambassadors of hope, change, and possibility for many across India. As the teams now depart for Sweden, they carry with them not only football boots and kits, but the hopes and pride of an entire nation.
