Subroto Cup may see teams from Italy, Germany, Brazil next year

New Delhi, Sep 9 (UNI) This year's Subroto Cup will kick off on September 14 with four foreign sides in the fray but the organisers are planning to add more sheen to the event with sides from European and Latin American countries in the next edition of the tuornament.

''We would like to have teams from soccer powerhouses like Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Germany and other countries next year, when the Air Force celebrates its 60th year,'' Air Marshal JN Burma told reporters last night.

Asked if the organisers have taken any concrete steps in this direction, Mr Burma said, ''We have passed the proposal in the last General Body meeting and got Chief of Air Staff's nod. That means we have in principle got the permission and that's the first step in that direction.

''I know that would increase our budget but we are working on it and want sposnsors' help to make it happen,'' he explained.

Mr Burma also announced that 65 teams, including sides from Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Sri Lanka would compete in the tournament this year.

''Apart from the prize money and the scholarships, we would pick some talented boys this time and sponsor their entire education,'' he informed.

The September 14 opening ceremony at the Ambedkar Stadium will include fly past by the IAF helicopters, gymnastic displays by IPSC school, display by the Army Adventure Wing, aero modelling by NCC and performance of the famed Air Warrior Drill team.

The inaugural match will see Chandigarh taking on Mamta Modern School, Delhi in the junior category.

The final and the closing ceremony is slated for October 13.

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