India, Sept. 13 -- Ahead of the 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal, both the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and its arch rival the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are taking football to reach out to the state's youngsters. Both the parties launched their own versions of inter-district football tournaments on Thursday.

"The state youth services and sports department and the Indian Football Association (IFA) have jointly organised a football tournament to mark the 133rd anniversary of Swamiji's address at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. It has been named Swami Vivekananda Cup District Club Football Championship," said Aroop Biswas, state youth services and sports minister.

The tournament was launched at Belur Mat...