Naya Nazimabad Inter-Schools Challenge Cup 2026 Kicks Off in Karachi

KARACHI: The Naya Nazimabad Inter-Schools Challenge Cup 2026 has opened at the Naya Nazimabad Football Stadium, bringing together Under-17 teams from 14 schools across Karachi.

Organised by Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana and the National Soccer Academy (NSA), the tournament aims to promote football at the school level and identify promising young players. The final will be played on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Officials Attend Opening Ceremony

Sindh Sports and Youth Affairs Department Secretary Manwar Ali Mahesar attended the opening ceremony as chief guest.

The event was also attended by Manghopir Town Chairman Nawaz Ali Brohi, Additional Secretary and Director Sports Dr Asad Ishaq, Assistant Director and District Sports Officer South Fareed Ali, District Sports Officer Central Hajra Nawab, District Sports Officer West Muhammad Usman Ahmed and other officials.

Section Officer Ali Dino Gopang, Sports Section Superintendent Muhammad Shahid, Director Youth Affairs Syed Habibullah and Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana Manager Muhammad Asif were also present.

Sports personalities and other distinguished guests joined the opening ceremony.

Six Matches Played on Opening Day

Fourteen Under-17 teams from schools across Karachi are competing in the Challenge Cup.

Six matches were played on the opening day. The young players displayed their football skills, competitive spirit and teamwork throughout the matches.

Mahesar praised Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana and the National Soccer Academy for their efforts to promote football among schoolchildren.

He said providing young people with better sporting opportunities was an important need. He added that the Sindh government would continue supporting football and other sports at the school level.

Tournament Also Serves as Talent Hunt

NSA Director and former international footballer Mohsin Yousafzai described the Challenge Cup as more than a football tournament.

He said the event also serves as a talent-hunting programme for young footballers. Through the competition, promising players will be identified and given opportunities to further develop their abilities.

Yousafzai said selected players who perform strongly in the tournament would be considered for international exposure and training opportunities.

According to him, the organisers had planned international visits for selected young talent, including a tour of Türkiye and a planned visit to Barcelona, Spain, in 2027. These opportunities are intended to expose young players to international football environments and training programmes.

Final Set for October 5

The final of the Naya Nazimabad Inter-Schools Challenge Cup 2026 will take place on Monday, October 5, at the Naya Nazimabad Football Stadium.

The winning team will be recognised at the conclusion of the tournament. Players who deliver outstanding performances during the competition will also receive recognition.