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- 15 Sep, 2026
Bengaluru, 7 September 2026: The Second Invitational Cottonian Shield Football Tournament, hosted by Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, Bengaluru, was inaugurated today at the School’s Second Eleven Field, marking the beginning of another exciting celebration of football, sportsmanship and school spirit.
The inaugural ceremony commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the School Band, the parade and introduction of the participating teams, an overture, and the rendition of the School Song. The opening prayer was led by Rev. Christy Gnanadasan.
Rev. J. Christopher Samuel, Diocesan Secretary, CSI KCD, and Member of the Board of Management, was the Chief Guest. Rev. Christy Gnanadasan, Civil Area Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board of Management, was the Guest of Honour, while Mrs. Agnes Caroline, Member of the Board of Management, also graced the occasion. The participating players were formally introduced to the dignitaries.
The tournament brings together six schools from Bengaluru, competing across the Under-14, Under-17, Under-19 and Staff categories, making this edition a vibrant platform for both young footballers and members of the teaching fraternity.
A particularly encouraging feature this year is the Staff Category, which has grown from two teams last year to four teams this year. The participating staff teams are Bethany High, St. Germain Academy, Cathedral School and Bishop Cotton Boys’ School. The growing participation in this category adds an exciting new dimension to the tournament while fostering camaraderie, fellowship and healthy competition among educators through sport.
The Cottonian Shield continues to reflect Bishop Cotton Boys’ School’s enduring commitment to nurturing sporting talent, promoting teamwork and discipline, and providing young athletes with opportunities to compete at a high level. Beyond the results on the field, the tournament seeks to celebrate the values that make sport truly meaningful—respect, perseverance, camaraderie and the pursuit of excellence.
As the tournament gets underway, the School looks forward to several days of spirited competition, memorable performances and, above all, a celebration of the true spirit of football.
On Straight On!