Concord 2026 Day 1 Highlights
A Grand Inaugural Ceremony where Young footballers from Oman, Nepal and India came together to celebrate sportsmanship, cultural diversity & international friendship
City Montessori School (CMS) Station Road Campus, inaugurated the 5th edition of its five-day International Football Tournament ‘Concord 2026’ on 2nd November 2026 at the CMS World Unity Convention Centre (WUCC) Auditorium, Kanpur Road, Lucknow. Bringing together talented young footballers from prestigious schools in Oman, Nepal, and various states of India, the international sporting event provided a wonderful platform for sporting excellence, cultural exchange and global friendship
Distinguished Alumnus of CMS Station Road Campus Inaugurates Concord 2026
The formal inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of our Chief Guest, Commander Nikhil Vaish, Commanding Officer, 7 UP Naval Unit, Varanasi, Indian Navy, distinguished guests, CMS management, parents, and team leaders from India and abroad.
The Chief Guest was introduced by Ms Reena Soti, Head of the CMS Quality Assurance and Innovations Department (QAID), who highlighted his inspiring journey as a 2006 alumnus of the host CMS Station Road Campus.
A keen sports enthusiast during his school days, Commander Vaish was an accomplished gymnast who also pursued judo and participated in the erstwhile CMS international sports extravaganza, EXSPO. His dedication to sports, discipline and determination eventually led him to the National Defence Academy (NDA), after which he joined the Indian Navy.
Paying homage to CMS Founder, Late Dr Jagdish Gandhi, Commander Vaish formally inaugurated Concord 2026 by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Words of Encouragement for the Next Generation of Footballers
Addressing the gathering, Commander Nikhil Vaish emphasised that discipline, dedication, patriotism and sportsmanship were the defining qualities of a good sportsperson. Sharing anecdotes from his school days, he congratulated CMS on organising an international-level football tournament for school students and encouraged the young players to participate with determination, give their best and uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship.
CMS Founder-Director Dr Bharti Gandhi warmly welcomed the Chief Guest, distinguished guests and young footballers from India and abroad. She observed that sports provide an ideal platform for nurturing valuable qualities among young people and plays an important role in character building. Extending her best wishes to all the participants, she expressed confidence that Concord 2026 would offer them valuable opportunities to showcase their sporting talents, develop lasting friendships and bring glory to Lucknow on the international stage.
Concord 2026 Convenor and Principal of CMS Station Road Campus, Ms Junu Thakur Bisht, highlighted the importance of sports in the holistic development of children. She expressed confidence that the participating teams would uphold the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) through healthy competition, mutual respect and meaningful friendships across national boundaries.
Young Footballers Share Their Excitement at Press Conference
Earlier in the day, the participating teams from Oman, Nepal and various states of India received a warm welcome from the host school, CMS Station Road Campus. Following their registration, the teams settled into the Kaizen and CISV guest houses adjoining the auditorium. Thereafter, the young footballers gathered at the auditorium’s beautiful fountain area for an interaction with members of the press.
During the press conference, the players enthusiastically shared their expectations and excitement about participating in the international football tournament.
Players from Indian School Al Ghubra, Oman, described their participation in Concord 2026 as a matter of great pride and expressed their determination to give their best on the field.
Meanwhile, players from Orchid Science College, Nepal, said that they were delighted to visit India and would cherish the warmth and affection extended to them at CMS.
Young footballers from Moonlight English Boarding School, Nepal, were particularly excited about the opportunity to make friends with students from different countries.
Similarly, participants from various Indian states highlighted the importance of school-level sporting events and expressed the hope that more schools would organise such tournaments to encourage students to participate in sports. The interaction concluded with a group photograph of all participating teams with the CMS management and the host team, CMS Station Road.
A Celebration of Sports, Culture and World Unity
The inauguration ceremony was a vibrant celebration of sports, culture and world unity. Colourful educational and cultural presentations, along with young footballers singing songs of world unity and peace, created an atmosphere of enthusiasm and international camaraderie.
A World Parliament was conducted by senior students on the theme, ‘Why Sports Are Essential: The Playground Must Not Disappear’. This was followed by a soulful All Religions Prayer presented by primary students. Adding to the cultural richness of the occasion, students presented captivating performances showcasing the traditions of Maharashtra, Manipur and Punjab.
The World Unity Prayer brought together the spirit of different continents. Thereafter, an artistic choreography featuring yoga, boxing, taekwondo and football beautifully portrayed the harmony between physical fitness, discipline and sporting excellence.
The inauguration ceremony of Concord 2026 brought together much more than footballing talent. It offered young participants an opportunity to experience different cultures, build friendships across borders and learn the values of teamwork, discipline and mutual respect.
