Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 7: Tripura lifted the 58th National School Games Championship title in the discipline of Football boys under 17 by defeating the Chandigarh team by 7-6 goals via tie breaker here at Bakshi stadium.
At half time, both the teams were tied at one each and in the second half, the soccer was at its best as both the teams exerted pressure on each other by making some brilliant moves. In the 24 minute of the second half, Tripura team took the lead, which was equalised by its opponent Chandigarh team. The match ended with two goals each.
In the extra-time, players of both the teams tried their level best to clinch the title, but failed to net goal, leading to penalty kicks.
In the penalty kicks, Tripura netted five goals, while Chandigarh managed to convert four only into goals, thus giving way to Tripura to clinch the title trophy.
Earlier, Delhi trounced Uttrakhand by 2-1 goals and secured the third position, while, the latter bagged fourth rank.
On the valedictory function, Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Mohd Akbar Lone, was the chief guest, while as Minister for Youth Services and Sports, RS Chib, was the guest of honour.
The dignitaries gave away trophies to the winning and runner-up teams. They also distributed individual medals among the players who performed best during the tournament. Chairperson, the Innercall, Roma Wani also announced special prizes for the two players who scored highest number of goals during the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohd Akbar Lone said that such national events strengthen the bond of friendship among players. “The players are the model of national integration, friendship and amity, he added”.
RS Chib said that the Government is keen to develop sports infrastructure for improving sports talent among the youth of the State.
Among others present were Director, Youth Services and Sports, Jaipal Singh, Secretary, J&K State Sports Council, Dalip Thussu, Joint Director, Youth Services and Sports, Madan Lal, Deputy Director and Vice- President School Games Federation of India, Ashok Kumar, Chief Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides, NA Khan, Joint Secretary, School Games Federation of India, PS Brar, Additional Secretary, School Games Federation of India, KS Murti, international players and sports lovers.
It is to mention here that, during the 5-day long event, organized by Department of Youth Services and Sports under the aegis of School Games Federation of India, over 600 players and managers from 27 states across the country participated. The 54 players selected from the participating teams, will now represent the country at the International event in France.
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