In what could be the most glorious moment for Subroto Cup in its history of 56 years, the greatest football player of all time, Edson Arantes do Nascimento a.k.a. Pelé would be attending the final match of the 2015 edition on 16th October 2015 at New Delhi as a Special Ambassador for the tournament. This is the first time ever that ‘The Black Pearl’ would be visiting the capital of India.

The organizers of the tournament, Indian Air Force, shall be hosting Pelé on 15th October and 16th October 2015. Pelé shall attend a dinner reception on 15th October in the presence of personalities from the sports, entertainment and business worlds. He will also watch the final match of the Subroto Cup 2015 to encourage the participants of the tournament and inspire millions of young football players across the country. To add to the joy of Pelé’s fans, Santos FC, the club where he spent nearly 20 years of his career, will also participate in the tournament.

Confirming the news, Pelé said, ”I am looking forward to meeting the young footballers participating in the Subroto Cup and celebrating the world’s greatest sport with the children of India. I am impressed with the hard work that the Indian Air Force has put in to nurture such a big and important football competition that brings the youth of this beautiful country together.  I hope my visit will inspire these champions of tomorrow.”

On behalf of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha PVSM AVSM VM ADC said, “Pelé, the greatest football player of all time, will be visiting India for only the second time, after a gap of 38 years for the grand finale of Subroto Cup, scheduled on 16 October 2015.  The whole country, and the Indian Air Force in particular, is extremely delighted to have the presence of this great football legend.”

He Continues, “Pelé is a legendary name who has inspired almost three generations of football lovers and we are looking forward to welcome him to our country. This is our priceless gift to not only the participants of Subroto Cup but also to the passionate followers of the sport across the nation. We hope that his presence and words of wisdom encourages everyone to work for the progress of the beautiful game.”

“All this initiative was made by the Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society in association with its football consultancy partner Libero Sports India, who shall also be working with various other stakeholders to ensure that Indian Football is able to gain as much as possible from the experiences of Pelé.”