The Fr. Eddie Memorial Inter‑School Knock‑Out Football Tournament (Under-17 Boys) organised by the Paulites of Belgaum Worldwide (PBW) in conjunction with St. Paul’s High School, Belagavi is set to enter its 57th chapter, beginning on 25 October 2025 at the St. Paul’s PU College Ground, Camp, Belagavi.
Established in memory of S.J., a beloved Vice-Principal at St. Paul’s who died in 1965 after a motorcycle accident, the tournament was conceived to honour his dual passions: as a dedicated teacher, and as an avid sportsman with a special love for football.
Fr. Eddie had himself studied at the school and served there with distinction; his keen interest in athletics, discipline, and character-building among the students led the alumni (through Br. Eric D’Silva S.J.) to set up this memorial football event soon after his passing.
Thus, the tournament’s purpose is two-fold: to commemorate Fr. Eddie’s legacy, and to provide a robust platform for young footballers to display their skills, build sportsmanship and moral character in his spirit.
Over the years, this competition has become a landmark event in the Belagavi and surrounding school-sports landscape—recognised as one of the longest-running and most prestigious inter-school football tournaments in the region.
This year’s edition also introduces a new dimension: for the first time, the Nisha Chhabria Memorial Inter‑School Knock‑Out Football Tournament (Under-17 Girls) will be held. Sponsored by the Chhabria family (Big Ventures), this addition signals a strong commitment to youth sports, inclusivity, and gender equity, honouring the memory of the late Nisha Chhabria—an education and youth development supporter.
The boys’ tournament this year features 26 schools, while 11 schools are entered in the girls’ competition—making for one of the most eagerly awaited school-sports events of the year. Matches will take place at St. Paul’s PU College Ground, delivering an exciting atmosphere for players and audiences alike.
“This tournament not only celebrates football but also the values of unity, discipline and fair-play — the same ideals that shaped generations of Paulites,” the organisers say.
The opening ceremony will take place on 25 October 2025 at the venue.