Pune: Pune is set to host a vibrant celebration of women’s football as Capri Sports presents The Purple Cup 2026, an elite 5-a-side women’s football tournament scheduled for 8th March 2026 at Sportszy Arena. Held on the occasion of International Women’s Day, the tournament aims to combine competitive sport with a powerful message of recognition, empowerment, and opportunity for women athletes.
The Purple Cup has been envisioned as a high-energy platform that celebrates the ambition, talent, and resilience of women footballers. Bringing together emerging players and competitive teams from across Pune, the inaugural edition will feature 17 teams battling it out in an exciting league-cum-knockout format across four groups, setting the stage for a full day of fast-paced football and inspiring moments.
At the heart of this year’s tournament lies a unique and deeply meaningful theme — #HerNameOurGame. In a first-of-its-kind gesture, every player will wear her mother’s name on the back of her jersey, transforming the pitch into a tribute to the women who have been the first believers, supporters, and silent forces behind every athlete’s journey. The initiative reflects the spirit that behind every player chasing a dream is a mother who helped shape it.
The competition will feature prize money worth ₹50,000 along with individual honors including Highest Goalscorer, Best Goalkeeper, Best Defender, Best Coach, and the Warrior of the Tournament, recognizing excellence, determination, and leadership displayed throughout the event.
The tournament is supported by a strong group of partners led by Capri Sports as the Title Sponsor and Snigmay Foundation as the Powered By partner. Supporting partners include Rayba as Kit Partner, Phab as Protein Partner, Plush as Comfort Partner, Enerzal as Refueling Partner, Power Pops as Nutrition Partner, RIO Bubbly Fruit Drink as Beverage Partner, and Mizaki Pune as the Gift Partner.
The Purple Cup is spearheaded by Ritika Singh, an India Futsal player and SAFF Futsal Championship silver medallist, whose vision is to create powerful platforms that amplify women’s football and inspire the next generation of players.
Speaking about the initiative, Ritika Singh said, “The Purple Cup is not just another tournament. It is a celebration of the journeys behind every player — the sacrifices, the belief, and the support systems that make dreams possible. Through #HerNameOurGame, we wanted to make sure that the women who stood behind these athletes are celebrated right alongside them.”
With competitive football, powerful storytelling, and the spirit of International Women’s Day, The Purple Cup 2026 promises to be more than a tournament — it will be a celebration of identity, resilience, and the unstoppable rise of women’s football in Pune.
