10 universities to play for DDA Sports Cup, matches till November 2

Students at Delhi’s state universities can now use the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) sports facilities, something they couldn’t do before. The DDA and the 10 universities of the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD) have come together for the first time to host the DDA-University Sports Cup 2026. The tournament was inaugurated on Wednesday at the DDA Roshanara Club.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the event, joined by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood. The Vice-Chancellors of the GNCTD universities and the DDA Vice-Chairman were present. Former hockey Olympian Ashok Kumar, wrestler Deepak Punia and shooter Ashima Ahlawat also attended.

The event stems from the Lieutenant Governor’s consistent push for physical activity and sportsmanship among young people through team games. The DDA’s vast sports infrastructure will bring together students from 10 universities in five disciplines: hockey, football, kabaddi, basketball and cricket. The tournaments will culminate in finals, with students competing for championship cups.

Delhi Technological University (DTU) is organising the tournament in collaboration with the DDA. Participating universities include NSUT, IIITD, IGDTUW, DSEU, GGSIPU, AUD, Delhi Teachers University, and Delhi Sports University. Both men’s and women’s categories will be held in all five sports.

Matches will be played from October 28 to November 2, 2026, at the DTU Sports Complex. A women’s cricket exhibition match followed the inauguration. The ceremony also featured a colourful flag march by the university contingents, the unveiling of the tournament trophy, and cultural presentations.

Mandaviya praised the initiative as a significant step towards building a culture of sports and fitness among the youth. He asked young sportspersons to pursue excellence with discipline.

He also reminded the gathering of India’s goal of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games and its successful bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

The Lieutenant Governor shared the Prime Minister’s view that sports teach us not only to become champions but also to become better competitors. He thanked Ashok Kumar, Deepak Punia and Ashima Ahlawat for attending. He said the Sports Cup will bring all of Delhi’s universities onto the same platform and encourage sportsmanship and team spirit. He said sports are an important part of education.

They teach young people to work together and to treat victory and defeat alike.

Sood thanked the Lieutenant Governor for conceiving the idea, which gives students access to the DDA’s sports facilities. For students, the cup offers a chance to play competitive team sport at the inter-university level, on facilities they could not use before. For Delhi, it brings its universities together through sport.