Excelsior Sports Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 9: The football fever that had gripped the entire Ganderbal region over the past 45 days could not have asked for a better antidote as the spectators, who had been turning up in large numbers all through the tourney, were treated today to an exceptional display of sporting skills in a keenly contested final match.
Gauging the strong desire of the local youth to express themselves through their sporting prowess, a group of local volunteers led by Javed Ahmed planned a first of its kind Junior Football League in Ganderbal district, a Defence spokesman said here.
“Always willing to extend support to the youth, the Army came forward as a catalyst on being approached. Within days of providing necessary kit and two experienced trainers for the local teams, the Lar Junior Football League was under way at the picturesque Gurwan Stadium,” he said.
The tournament saw 10 teams putting their best foot forward to outplay the other for the coveted maiden trophy and in the process, winning hearts of the spectators through admirable display of sportsman spirit, said the Defence spokesman.
The final match was deservingly played between Dangerpura Gladiators and Lar City teams which the former won with a solitary goal. Attractive prizes were awarded to the players in the post match presentation in which Sajid, the star forward of Dangerpura Gladiators, bagged the best player’s award for netting the ball for a maximum number of 13 times during the tournament.