Rakesh Thapliyal 
New Delhi: Rain showers continued to test the resolve of participants on Day 3 of the Oriental Cup 2026, but failed to dampen the spirits and resilience of the young footballers competing in the fourth edition of the tournament on Thursday. Despite challenging conditions at the Dr. Ambedkar Stadium, the action remained fiercely competitive as Mother’s International School, Delhi, Mount Carmel School, Dwarka, G.D. Goenka School, Dwarka, Bharti Public School and Vinay Nagar Bangali Senior Secondary School progressed in the Boys’ category, while Mother’s International School and Bharti Public School advanced in the Girls’ category.

Mother’s International School, Delhi kicked off Day 3 with a 2-0 victory over Government Co-Education Senior Secondary School, Dwarka in the Boys’ category. Trigya Chaturvedi opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Aavir Singh doubled the lead just two minutes later. The two first-half goals proved enough to secure Mother’s International School’s place in the next round.

In the corresponding Girls’ fixture, Mother’s International School, Delhi registered a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Government Co-Education Senior Secondary School, Dwarka. Prithika Selvi Sundar scored the decisive goal in the 22nd minute, with her second-half strike proving enough to send Mother’s International School through to the next round.

Bharti Public School booked their place in the next round in both the Boys’ and Girls’ categories after Amity International School, Noida conceded walkovers in their respective fixtures.

Mount Carmel School, Dwarka secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Amity International School, Saket in the Boys’ category. Ranveer Singh Rana opened the scoring in the 10th minute before substitute Aryan Walia doubled the advantage in the 29th minute. With a goal in each half, Mount Carmel School comfortably sealed their passage to the next round.

The most dramatic contest of the day saw G.D. Goenka School, Dwarka edge past Kendriya Vidyalaya, R.K. Puram 5-3 in a penalty shootout after the two sides played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time in the Boys’ category. Rajat Singh Khati handed Kendriya Vidyalaya an early lead in the second minute before Raj Rawat doubled the advantage in the 28th minute. G.D. Goenka staged a remarkable late comeback as Kaartikya Kashyap Chugh reduced the deficit in the 34th minute before Prateek Singh restored parity two minutes later. The match was eventually decided from the spot, where G.D. Goenka held their nerve to clinch a 5-3 shootout victory and advance to the next round.

The day's proceedings concluded with Vinay Nagar Bangali Senior Secondary School advancing to the next round in the Boys’ category after receiving a walkover against Delhi Public School, Mathura Road.

Match Day 3 Results

Boys’ Category

· Mother's International School 2-0 Government Co-Education Senior Secondary School, Dwarka

· Bharti Public School beat Amity International School, Noida by walkover

· Mount Carmel School, Dwarka 2-0 Amity International School, Saket

· G.D. Goenka School, Dwarka 2(5) – 2(3) Kendriya Vidyalaya, R.K. Puram

· Vinay Nagar Bangali Senior Secondary School beat Delhi Public School, Mathura Road by walkover

 Girls’ Category

· Mother's International School 2-0 Government Co-Education Senior Secondary School

· Bharti Public School beat Amity International School, Noida by walkover