Jaipur: The Rajasthan Under-20 State Boys Football Championship 2025-26 got underway at Sainik School Ground in Chittorgarh on Monday.As per the instructions of All India Football Federation (AIFF) and under the guidance of Rajasthan Football Association, the state level U-20 football tournament, organised by Chittorgarh District Football Association, was inaugurated on Monday morning in a grand and enthusiastic atmosphere at Sainik School Ground, Chittorgarh.Around 400 players from 26 districts are participating in this four-day sports meet. On the inaugural occasion, the ground was filled with the enthusiasm of the players, applause of the spectators and sportsmanship.Chittorgarh MLA Chandrabhan Singh Aakya was the chief guest, while the Chittorgarh District Football Association president Puran Anjana presided over the inaugural function. Special guests included Rajasthan Football Association secretary Dilip Singh Shekhawat, BJP City president Gaurav Tyagi, general secretary Harshvardhan Rud, former Municipal president of Nimbahera Subhash Chandra Sharda, Chittorgarh District Football Association treasurer Manoj Parikh, vice president Ramkishan Chaudhary, Shailendra Jhanwar, Om Sharma, Narayan Singh Baroli, RFA treasurer Kailash Khatik, vice president Shakeel Ahmed, joint secretary Rafiq Ahmed, Sunil Rao, Dinesh Singh, RFA member Rajendra Singh, Fars Singh and India player Tarun Roy, coach of Jawar Mines team were also present.Organising committee convener Dharmendra Singh Tanwar, Faisal Khan, Shakeel Ahmed Mansoori, Shahid Hussain, Rafiq Khan and their team gave a warm welcome to the guests by covering them with turban and uparna as per Mewari tradition.In the opening match, Jaipur put up a strong performance and defeated Dungarpur 2–0.In the match played between Jhunjhunu and Bikaner, Jhunjhunu won 2-0, while Udaipur drubbed Dausa 3-0.At Ground No. 2, Pali’s team displayed organised play, beating Sirohi 3-1. In the match between Alwar and Baran, Alwar thrashed Baran 4-1. In both matches, the players displayed high-level competition with sharp passing, precise strikes, and strong defense.More than 400 players are participating, opportunity for national team selectionGiving information, Faisal Khan of the organising committee said that teams from various districts of the state are participating in this four-day competition, in which more than 400 players are showcasing their skills.This competition is also of special importance because the talented players selected from here will represent the Rajasthan team, which will participate in the National Football Championship to be held in Chhattisgarh later this month.The referee panel of RFA played an important role, in which Karamveer, Yashvardhan, Bhairu, Arshad, Harish Bhati, Lokesh, Pawan, Mahipal Singh, Kishan, Rizwan Mansoori and Arshad Khan are providing their services.Message of sportsmanshipSpeaking at the opening ceremony, speakers described sports as a foundation for the development of youth power, saying that football is not just a sport, but a symbol of discipline, teamwork, and dedication. Such events not only provide a platform for talent but also bring glory to the district and state.
