Delhi Public School R.K. Puram hosted the National Inter-DPS Girls’ Football Tournament from 1-3 October 2026, bringing together young footballers from across the country in a celebration of sporting excellence, discipline and camaraderie.
The tournament commenced with an auspicious lamp-lighting ceremony in the presence of the Chief Guest, Mr Matthew Ayers, Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand to India; the Guest of Honour, Mrs Dolly Chanana, Director, DPS Society; the Principal, Mr Anil Kumar, the Vice Principals: Mr Naresh Miglani, Mr Anil Kathuria, Mr Mukesh Kumar and Ms Rashmi Malhotra; and the Headmistresses: Dr Anubha Gopal (Classes IX-X) and Ms Vandana Chandhoke (Classes VI-VIII).
The ceremony featured a soulful welcome song which was followed by an impressive march past by the DPS Naval and Air NCC contingents, whose discipline, precision and synchronised movements reflected the values of unity and dedication. The Players’ Oath, taken in the true spirit of sportsmanship, reaffirmed the participants’ commitment to fair play, integrity and mutual respect, setting an inspiring tone for three days of spirited competition and camaraderie.
Addressing the gathering, the Principal, Mr Anil Kumar, expressed his gratitude to the DPS Society for its continued support and for providing the school with opportunities to host events of national significance. He emphasised the integral role of sports in student development and encouraged the participants to approach the tournament with dedication and sportsmanship.
Thereafter, the Chief Guest, Mr Matthew Ayers, addressed the gathering and highlighted the deep ties between India and New Zealand. He emphasised that learning, commitment and perseverance are essential values that extend beyond the football field, shaping character, fostering resilience and guiding students towards success in all walks of life. In her address, the Guest of Honour, Mrs Dolly Chanana, highlighted the transformative role of education and sports in empowering girls and women. She also applauded the school’s efforts in organising the tournament and promoting sporting excellence.
After three days of intense competition, the tournament concluded with a closing ceremony that celebrated both achievement and participation. The ceremony began with a felicitation of the Chief Guest, Ms Dolly Chanana, Director, DPS Society by the Vice Principal, Mr Naresh Kumar Miglani. The programme commenced on a devotional note with a soulful rendition by the Indian Choir, invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha and infusing the atmosphere with grace and spirituality.
The Vice Principal, Mr Naresh Kumar Miglani, congratulated all the teams and proposed that outstanding players from the participating teams could be identified to form a national Indian team, giving the tournament a larger vision for the future of women’s football. In her address, the Chief Guest, Mrs Dolly Chanana, congratulated all the participants and lauded their dedication, perseverance and unwavering sporting spirit. She emphasised that every player was a winner, as true success lies not merely in securing victory but also in demonstrating discipline, resilience, teamwork and respect for fellow competitors. She encouraged the young sportspersons to cherish the values learnt on the field and carry them forward in their lives, reminding them that participation and the pursuit of excellence are achievements in themselves.
The tournament culminated with the Prize Distribution Ceremony, with DPS Bangalore East emerging as the Champions, DPS RK Puram as the Runners-up and DPS Bangalore South and DPS Gurgaon Sector 45 sharing the Third Position. Rheanna Jacob of DPS Bangalore East was recognised as the Player of the Tournament. The tournament was formally declared closed with the lowering of the flag, followed by the Vote of Thanks and National Anthem, bringing to a close three memorable days of competition, friendship and sporting excellence.