SO Bharat will participate in the Gothia Cup 7-a-side football tournament for the first time, supported by SKF India. The Gothia Cup is the world’s largest football tournament, sponsored by SKF, to be held in Sweden from 14-18 July 2024. The Special Olympics Athletes are welcomed in the category titled, Gothia Special Olympics Trophy. All players must have an intellectual disability and must be between 16-21 years old. This category can accept 15 Scandinavian and 15 international teams, i.e. a total of 30 teams in all.
A traditional team of 10 male footballers from SO Bharat will be participating from India for the first time, supported by SKF India. Following the pre-requisites of participating in the event SO Bharat conducted a Meet the World National Football Championship at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Training Centre for Disability Sports, Gwalior, MP, from 26-28 April 2024. The Championship witnessed enthusiastic participation from all corners of the country, with 71 athletes forming 12 male teams representing 12 states (Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Pondicherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal). The Championship concluded with 25 Athletes being shortlisted for the next camp (Prep-1). Report on the National Championship
The National Coaching preparatory Camp (1), was held at the CDS Stadium in Gwalior from 15th to 22nd May 2024. It saw participation of 45 campers from 12 states, including 24 athletes, 13 coaches, supported by 2 volunteers, 1 medical staff, 1 physiotherapist and 3 resource persons. This camp was a critical phase in the selection process for the Gothia Cup India team. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of individual skills and match performances, the top 15 athletes were shortlisted for the next camp Schedule. Report on the NCC Prep 1
The National Coaching preparatory Camp (2) was held from 16-21 June 2024 at Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
A team of 10 Athletes with Intellectual and developmental disabilities and 3 Coaches from 6 states (Delhi,Kerala, Madhya Pradesh,Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal) of India is prepared for the global event. They will be attending the final preparatory camp before departing for Sweden from New Delhi on 13 July 2024.