Delhi hosts the inaugural DDA-University Sports Cup 2026, bringing together nine universities to compete in five sports disciplines from October 28 to November 2 at DTU.
Delhi’s student sports scene has a new flagship event. The DDA-University Sports Cup 2026, an inter-university tournament was inaugurated at Roshanara Club on Tuesday, October 28, 2026 by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is organising the tournament with several government universities, following an initiative by the Lieutenant-Governor to promote team sports among students. Delhi Technological University (DTU) is hosting the event at its Sports Complex, and matches run from October 28 to November 2.
Unveiled the curtain-raiser poster and video of the DDA-University Sports Cup 2026, alongside the Vice Chancellor, @dtu_delhi and Vice Chairman, @official_dda.
— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) October 23, 2026
With 10 universities competing across 5 team sports, the inaugural Cup, beginning 27 October, will give young athletes… pic.twitter.com/7pzSl15GTV
Students will compete in men’s and women’s categories across five disciplines: hockey, football, kabaddi, basketball and cricket. Nine institutions are taking part: Delhi Technological University (DTU), Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi, Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women, Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Ambedkar University Delhi, Delhi Teachers University, Delhi Sports University.
Read more about the tournament here.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Mandaviya called the tournament a significant step towards building a culture of sports and fitness among young people. He urged athletes to pursue excellence with discipline and pointed to India’s Olympic ambitions including its aim to host the 2036 Olympics and its successful bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
Mr. Sandhu said the Sports Cup would bring Delhi’s universities together on a common platform and encourage sportsmanship and team spirit. He described sports as an integral part of education, teaching young people to cooperate and to accept victory and defeat alike.
The ceremony drew sporting names as well. Former hockey Olympian Ashok Kumar, wrestler Deepak Punia and shooter Ashima Ahlawat attended, and the programme included a march-past by university contingents and the unveiling of the trophy.
For students, the tournament offers a competitive platform, exposure to inter-university rivalry and a chance to represent their institutions in front of sporting role models. For the wider city, it signals growing collaboration between civic bodies, educational institutions and the sports ecosystem, at a time when India is building towards major international events.
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