BRICS Cup: Indian colts take on their Russian counterparts in the historic first edition


India U-17 take on Russia U-17 in the historic first edition of BRICS Cup
Over the last couple of years, a football tournament among the BRICS nations were doing the rounds and finally India this year on the occasion of the 8th BRICS summit will host the historic first edition of BRICS Cup.
Originally Brazil, Russia, India and China were grouped as “BRIC” (or “the BRICs”) before the induction of South Africa in 2010. The BRICS members are all leading developing or newly industrialized countries that annually meet to increase their contribution in global market. After some initial talks, last year around this same time, it was declared that India will host the BRICS Cup on the occasion of 8th BRICS summit.
The Tournament will take place once every year as a 10-day event and following the lines of the FIFA under-17 tournaments. Each edition will be held in a BRICS nation. On 1st October 2016, Indian Prime Minister India Narendra Modi, unveiled the Trophy for the 2016 BRICS U-16 Football Tournament in New Delhi. After participating in the AFC U-16 Championship in Goa, the Indian U-17 World Cup Squad will gear up to face Russia in their opening encounter. It will be an important experience for India’s world cup bound squad to face possible challengers next year. Nicolai Adam, Head Coach of the Indian U-17 World Cup Squad, had earlier opined, “The BRICS Cup gives us an opportunity to play a minimum of four International matches. It (BRICS Cup) will add to the experience of the boys as we prepare for the FIFA U-17 World Cup”
Ahead of India’s first game against Russia, Nicolai stressed on the importance of the tournament and what it means for the players, “We are thankful for the BRICS Tournament and it helps us to gather more experience under our belts whilst exposing us to strong Teams. The BRICS U-17 Football Tournament is like a pre-World Cup as there are five Teams from four different confederations”
“We have to be competitive in the BRICS Tournament and ensure that we are hard to beat”, the Indian Coach said in the official Pre-Tournament Press Conference.
While talking about their opponent Russia Nicolai added, “Russia is a fantastic Team and we respect them as opponents. They finished their qualifying campaign with nine points and we look forward to giving them a hard fight, come tomorrow”
Russian U-17 coach Dimtry Ulyanov seemed well aware of what challenges India could provide but ys confident of his team’s ability “We are expecting a tough challenge from India. However, we are ready for the Tournament as we come on the back of a Tournament in France and had participated in the UEFA Development Tournament as well”
Also Read: Positive start for Mumbai City FC in their ISL 3 campaign
Need to hunt actively for the ball-Adams
When asked about his analysis on India’s encouraging performance in AFC U-16 competition, Nicolai explained that his team needs to work on some technicalities, “We need to hunt actively for the ball and once we have the ball, we need to keep it better. Our philosophy is to score as many goals as possible but in order to score we need to have possession. Sometimes lack patience and commit a lot. It is normal not to have balance in youth Football, but we have to strive to right our wrongs”, he stated.
Indian colts captain Suresh Singh who was also present in the Press Conference praised the German Coach’s work ethic and said, “We have developed into better Player under Nicolai-sir and he has taught us a lot when it comes to Football”
India take on Russia in the day’s Second encounter tomorrow at 8PM after China take on Brazil in the opening one at 5PM, the match will be live telecasted on DD Sports.
India’s fixtures in the U-16 BRICS Cup:
October 05: India vs. Russia
October 07: India vs. South Africa
October 11: India vs. China
October 13: India vs. Brazil
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: India vs. Thailand – A Winner-Take-All Showdown!
The stage is set for a thrilling climax in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, as India’s Blue Tigresses prepare to face Thailand’s Chabakaew in a…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The Quest for Redemption: Why Tomorrow’s India vs. Thailand clash transcends Qualification
As the clock ticks down to the monumental clash between India and Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the air is thick with anticipation. This isn’t just…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Etched in History: Blue Tigresses Break the Hex, Qualify for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026!
When the final whistle pierced the air at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang Mai Stadium, it wasn’t just a sound; it was the echo of history being rewritten. Tears streamed…
East Bengal to play Bangalore’s South United in opener as 134th IndianOil Durand Cup fixtures and groups announced
The 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, will kick off on July 23rd, 2025, with Emami East Bengal FC facing Bengaluru-based South United FC (SUFC) at the iconic Vivekananda…
Hon. President of India Flags Off 134th Durand Cup Trophies in a Grand Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi, July 4, 2025: In a moment steeped in legacy and national pride, the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup…
Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
FIFA Women’s World Cup the next mountain to climb for the Blue Tigresses
It’s been four days since India’s historic qualification for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. But the dust from the celebrations isn’t settling anytime soon, and the women’s football…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / AIFF / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AIFF announces reward for fantastic Blue Tigresses
AIFF has announced a reward of USD 50,000 for the Senior Indian Women’s National Team following their outstanding performance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand. The…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…