Rovers cup returns

WIFA is making moves to revive one of India’s oldest tournaments

MUMBAI: The newly formed body of the Western India Football Association is out to make its presence felt.

Their first move is to breathe new life into the Rovers Cup Football Tournament, which has been abandoned since 2001. The paper work has been completed and they (WIFA) are only waiting for the go ahead from the parent body, the All India Football federation.

Talking to DNA on the sidelines of the ongoing Indian Football League, at the Cooperage on Monday, Wali Mohammad, the Assistant joint secretary of WIFA, said that they have forwarded their letter asking the parent body AIFF for the dates and things are looking good.

“We have asked for the dates, and the tournament, which was last held in the 2000-2001 season, will be back in the city,” said Mohammad.

“This is one of a few moves we are making towards an effort to get back the lost interest in Indian football in Mumbai,” added the official.

Rovers Cup is one of the oldest tournaments of India football. It was first played in 1891, when 1st Worcester Regiment were the winners.

The last time this championship was held was in the 2000-01 season, when Mohun Bagan beat Churchill Brothers Sports Club from Goa 2-0 in the final.