The Special Olympics Bharat boys' football team was felicitated at a ceremony in New Delhi on Monday, 20 July 2026, following the contingent's bronze medal win at the Gothia Cup 2026 in Sweden — one of the world's largest and most prestigious international youth football tournaments. The recognition brought together athletes, coaches, officials, partners, and dignitaries to celebrate a milestone in India's inclusive sports movement.

The Achievement at Gothia Cup 2026

The bronze medal secured by the Special Olympics Bharat boys' football team at the Gothia Cup 2026 represents the organisation's third consecutive international trophy at the tournament. The result underscored the team's resilience and consistency on the global stage, and was widely seen as a significant marker for India's para-sports and inclusive athletics ecosystem.

What Partners and Officials Said

Shailesh Sharma, Managing Director of SKF India Ltd., praised the team's perseverance at the felicitation event. 'We are immensely proud of the Special Olympics Bharat Boys' Football Team for bringing home the Bronze Medal at the Gothia Cup 2026. Their achievement is a testament to the power of perseverance, discipline, and teamwork. At SKF India, we believe that sport can transform lives, promote inclusion, and unlock human potential. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that create equal opportunities for athletes to dream big and excel on global platforms,' he said.

Mallika Nanda, President of Special Olympics Bharat, placed the win in broader context. 'This bronze medal is far more than a podium finish; it is a testament to the resilience, determination, and indomitable spirit of our athletes. Winning three consecutive international trophies at the Gothia Cup reflects the consistency of excellence that Special Olympics Bharat stands for,' she said. Nanda also extended gratitude to H.E. Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to India, and to SKF India for their sustained backing.

Head Coach on the Team's Journey

Head coach Onaciss credited the players' discipline and collective belief for the podium result. 'Every medal has a story, and ours is one of resilience, trust, and relentless belief. This team proved that true champions are defined not only by victories but by the courage to rise stronger after every challenge. The Bronze Medal at the Gothia Cup is the outcome of months of discipline, sacrifice, and teamwork, and I couldn't be prouder of these remarkable athletes,' he said. He added that the achievement was 'just the beginning of an even bigger journey for Indian inclusive football.'

SKF India's Role and Broader Impact

SKF India confirmed that its partnership with Special Olympics Bharat is part of its corporate social responsibility commitment to promoting inclusion and equal opportunity through sport. The company said it remains committed to supporting specially abled athletes and building an inclusive sporting ecosystem that enables them to represent India on the global stage.

The ceremony also featured direct interactions with athletes and coaches, who shared their experiences from the tournament in Sweden, followed by a formal felicitation of players, coaching staff, and partner organisations. With three consecutive Gothia Cup trophies now to their name, the Special Olympics Bharat football programme is expected to draw greater institutional attention in the lead-up to future international competitions.