Narmada Valley FC won the fifth edition of the Inspire Cup organised by the Rural Development Trust’s Sports for Development initiative, Anantapur Sports Academy, in collaboration with the La Liga Foundation. The Inspire Cup is a U-17 girls football tournament for the emerging female talents across India and it was held at the Anantapur Sports Village (ASV) recently.

Joakim Alexandersson, Chief Coach of India Women’s U-20 and U-17 national teams, Visha Ferrer, RDT Women Empowerment Director, and Sai Krishna Pulluru, RDT Sports for Development Director, attended the closing ceremony.

According to an official release, the finals were played between Narmada Valley FC and Magan Singh Rajvi FC in which the former won with a score of 2-1.

“It is a pleasure to watch the Inspire Cup and the quality of play on display. Tournaments like Inspire Cup improve the quality of football in the country. Platforms like this not only motivate many girls to pursue football but also provide quality exposure. The Inspire Cup team is doing a great job,” said Joakim Alexandersson, at the closing ceremony.

“In 2022, the Inspire Cup began with just five teams, and we had to invite teams to participate. Today, we receive enquiries about the tournament and it is encouraging to see this edition feature 14 teams from across India. RDT has consistently promoted girls’ participation in sports through initiatives such as mixed-gender festivals and leagues. We will always continue to support women’s sport,” said Visha Ferrer, Women’s Empowerment Director, RDT.

M. Anusha, who represented India in the international friendly against the Maldives, was also felicitated during the event for her dedication and outstanding performance. A total of 252 players from 14 teams participated in the tournament.

M. Anusha, who represented India in the international friendly against the Maldives, being felicitated at the closing ceremony of the Inspire Cup held recently in Anantapur.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu