Gumla Girls Lift Subroto Cup for Third Time, Defeat Mizoram NCC 2-0 in Final

Jharkhand’s football talent has once again made its mark on the national stage. The girls of St. Patrick High School, Gumla, representing Jharkhand in the Under-17 girls’ category of the 65th Subroto Mukerjee Football Cup, have won the national title for the third time.

In the final played at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi on August 27, Gumla defeated the Mizoram NCC team 2-0 to lift the prestigious trophy. The victory added another memorable chapter to Gumla’s growing reputation as one of Jharkhand’s prominent sporting hubs.

The victorious team returned to Gumla on Monday and received a warm welcome at St. Patrick High School. A special felicitation ceremony was organised on the school campus to honour the players, coach Bina Kerketta and other members of the coaching team.

Deputy Commissioner Dileshwar Mahatto and Gumla MLA Bhushan Tirkey attended the programme as chief guests and felicitated the players and coaches. Teachers, students, school staff and officials from the district administration also joined in celebrating the team’s remarkable achievement.

‘Gumla has once again proved why it is known as a sporting town’

Congratulating the players, MLA Bhushan Tirkey said the achievement of the St. Patrick High School girls was a matter of pride not only for Gumla but for the entire state.

He said Gumla has earned a distinct identity as a sporting town over the years, with athletes and footballers from the district repeatedly bringing recognition to Jharkhand through their performances.

Tirkey also praised St. Patrick High School for supporting sports alongside academics. He said the players’ discipline, hard work and sporting spirit were clearly visible throughout the national competition and deserved appreciation.

‘This is an achievement for the entire Jharkhand’

Deputy Commissioner Dileshwar Mahatto said the national triumph of the school’s girls was a proud moment for Gumla and Jharkhand.

He said the team’s success was the result of sustained practice, discipline, determination and a strong competitive spirit. The players performed consistently at every stage of the tournament and eventually emerged as national champions.

The Deputy Commissioner pointed out that the team’s journey to the national title began at the block level and progressed through the district, divisional and state stages before reaching the national competition.

He credited the players’ commitment, along with the guidance of their coaches and trainers and the support extended by the school, for the historic achievement.

Victory procession held in honour of champions

Following the felicitation ceremony, a victory procession was organised in honour of the national champions. The procession started from the school campus and passed through Tower Chowk and Patel Chowk before reaching the Indoor Stadium.

Residents and supporters gathered along the route, creating a celebratory atmosphere as the national champions were welcomed back home.

The victory is particularly significant for Gumla’s young female footballers. The team’s performance has once again demonstrated that players from the district can compete successfully at the highest level when provided with the right training, discipline and support.

By winning the Subroto Mukerjee Cup for the third time, the St. Patrick High School girls have not only added another national trophy to Gumla’s sporting legacy but have also strengthened Jharkhand’s reputation as a fertile ground for football talent.

District Education Officer Kavita Khalkho, District Education Superintendent Noor Alam Khan, District Sports Officer Praveen Kumar, St. Patrick High School Principal Father Nabor Minz, teachers, non-teaching staff, coaches, students and other officials were present at the felicitation ceremony.