Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 23: The ANC Silver Jubilee Football Championship 2026, organised to commemorate the 25 years of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, concluded successfully at Island Terrier Football Ground, 154 Inf Bn (TA) BIHAR, Brichgunj Military Station.
The week-long championship, conducted from 15 to 22 September 2026, witnessed participation from 10 football teams, comprising five Defence and five Civil teams. The championship was aimed at promoting healthy competition, sporting excellence and greater camaraderie between Defence personnel and the civil community.
The participating teams competed with great enthusiasm and determination, producing a series of exciting matches. The tournament witnessed exemplary teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship, with players displaying their skills and competitive spirit throughout the championship.
The Final between Army A and Andaman FC was an exciting contest witnessed by spectators and sports enthusiasts. Andaman FC emerged victorious and were crowned the Champions, while Army A finished as the Runner-up. The match ended in a 1-1 draw at the end of regular and extra time. The championship was subsequently decided through a penalty shoot-out, in which Andaman FC prevailed 4-3 to clinch the title.
Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty, AVSM, CINCAN graced the Final as the Chief Guest, while Shri Murlikant Rajaram Petkar attended as the Guest of Honour. The distinguished guests felicitated the winning team, runner-up and outstanding individual performers and presented the championship trophy, medals and awards.
Shri Murlikant Rajaram Petkar, a decorated sportsperson, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist was honoured with the Padma Shri and the Arjun Award for Lifetime Achievement, also interacted with the participating players and encouraged them to pursue excellence through dedication, perseverance and sporting spirit.
The championship concluded with a celebration of brotherhood, camaraderie, teamwork and fair play, reinforcing the strong bond between the Armed Forces and the civil community in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The successful conduct of the ANC Silver Jubilee Football Championship 2026 added to the series of events commemorating the Silver Jubilee of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, celebrating its journey of service, commitment and contribution to the Islands.