The School Games Federation of India (SGFI) has selected Chandigarh to host the National Softball Championship for Boys and Girls (under-19) in November 2026. The event, allotted to the UT Education Department, marks the return of a national-level school sports event to the city after nearly eight years.
Event Details and Participation
The championship is scheduled for the fourth week of November. Approximately 500 players from states and union territories across the country are expected to participate. The UT Education Department will oversee all arrangements under professional supervision.
"It is a proud moment for the Administration that the UT Education Department has been chosen for hosting the meet. All arrangements will be made for this national event. The tournament will be organised under the supervision of professionals," said Nitish Singla, Director School Education, UT Administration.
Previous Hosting Experience
The UT Education Department has previously hosted national meets for baseball, squash, and football. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chandigarh was selected to host SGFI nationals for hockey, baseball, and fencing for both boys and girls categories. In 2009, the department hosted SGFI nationals for gymnastics, softball, fencing, and dodgeball. That year, gymnastics and softball events were conducted for both boys and girls in under-14, under-17, and under-19 categories, while fencing and dodgeball were held for under-19 boys and girls. A total of 2,500 players from different parts of the country participated in those events.
Infrastructure and Weather Advantages
A coach noted that hosting a national event will help the department update its infrastructure. "Since November offers pleasant weather in Chandigarh, it will be easy to accommodate visiting teams. The department is having experienced faculty, who were part of the organising committees for the previous national events," the coach said.
Other Host Cities in the Region
Several other cities in the region have been selected to host SGFI national tournaments. Ludhiana in Punjab will host girls' basketball (under-17 and under-19), fencing (under-14 boys and girls), handball (under-19 boys), hockey (under-19 boys and girls), karate (under-14 boys and girls and under-19 girls), and netball (under-19 boys and girls). Haryana's Ambala will host the under-19 girls' football event, while Rohtak will host the under-19 girls' cricket event. Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh will host the under-14 girls' taekwondo event.
