CBSE opens host applications for SGFI Karate and Wrestling selection trials

The Central Board of Secondary Education has called for national level selection trials so that CBSE Games winners can represent the Board at the School Games Federation of India National School Games 2026-27 in Karate and Wrestling (Free-style). Circular No. Acad-64/2026 dated 1 October 2026 sets the rules for host schools and participating teams.

CBSE has been affiliated with SGFI since 8 July 2024. National winners of CBSE Games already move into SGFI Nationals in other disciplines. Acad-64 extends that pathway for Karate and Wrestling with a Board-run selection layer before the federation meet.

The circular is clear that these events are selection trials, not medal meets. No certificates will be issued to participants, which matters when parents expect a souvenir for every bout.

Host school deadline and costs

Schools that want to organise the national trials must apply through the Board's Google Form link in the circular by 5 October 2026 at 2:00 PM. The venue list will be shared after hosts are fixed.

Organising schools must arrange accommodation with bedding and all meals for participating teams. Each participant pays Rs 500 per day to the host for meals and stay. Hosts may also issue ID cards and charge up to Rs 100 per player so that only authorised athletes enter the venue.

Safety and insurance sit with both the participating school and the host. CBSE will not take claims if an accident occurs during travel, stay or competition. Participating schools must inform parents, take written undertakings, and keep insurance cover for health, accident and travel for every member of the delegation.

Schools that hosted CBSE Games earlier this season already know the logistics load. Acad-64 adds boarding and ID-card duties on top of mats and weigh-ins, so only campuses with hostel space should apply to host.

How schools send entries

Schools that wish to field students should email entries directly to the organising school at least five days before the event once venues are announced. Age and weight categories for Karate and Wrestling (Free-style) are listed in Annexure 1 of Acad-64, covering Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19 for boys and girls with detailed kilogram bands.

Rules will follow SGFI norms for both sports. Coaches should weigh athletes against the annexure before travel so that a child is not turned away at the weigh-in for being outside the declared category.

For further queries the circular names Dr Manjit Singh, Additional Director (Sports), CBSE, at manjit.cbse@gmail.com or cbsegames@gmail.com.

What principals should do this week

Sports teachers should decide quickly whether the school can host, given the 5 October 2 PM form deadline and the boarding obligations. Schools that only want to send athletes should wait for the venue list, then mail entries five days ahead with accurate weight-category details and parent undertakings.

Budget for the Rs 500 daily boarding charge and the optional ID card fee before parents are asked to travel. Confirm insurance certificates before teams leave campus. Keep a contact sheet for the organising school once the Board publishes venues.

The full circular, including weight charts, is at cbseacademic.nic.in under Acad-64/2026.