Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 12: Shaheen Football Club defeated Young Muneer Srinagar in a one-sided contest by five goals to nil (5-0) in the 5th Christmas Soccer Championship, which got underway at Mini Stadium, Parade, here today.
The Championship is being organized by Christian Sports Organization in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) and Jammu and Kashmir Police Department.
Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports and Transport, Sunil Kumar Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion, who inaugurated the Championship in presence of guests of honour, Danish Rana, IGP Jammu and Fr Kuriakose, Chairman Christian Sports Organization Jammu. SSP Jammu Dr Sunil Gupta, Joint Commissioner Jammu Municipality RS Jamwal and SSP RK Bhat were the special guests on the occasion, while prominent among other dignitaries present on the occasion were SM Gill, Ex MLC, SP City Vinod Kumar, Abdul Hamid Banday, Ex Executive President and Chairman J&K Bank Sports Board, Ramesh Kotwal SP Headquarter, DySP City Vivek Shekhar, Vivek Gupta (ASM) Huawei, Raghav Talwar, (TSM) Huawei, Kulddep Singh, Mohan Lal, Ramesh Chander, Asif Gill, Victor Sotra, William Mattoo, Sunny Gill, Bharat Bhushan, Satpal Singh, Yousuf Don and Sardari Lal.
Chief Prosecuting Officer JKP and former Ranji Trophy player Rajesh Gill is the Coordinator of the Tournament, while Yousuf Don, Asif Gill and David Mattoo are the organizing secretaries.
In the opening match, Shaheen FC thrashed Young Muneer Srinagar by 5-0 goals. First goal was scored by Sahil in 7th minute, Aman scored the 2nd and 3rd goal in 15th and 25th minutes, while Atul netted the 4th goal in 34th minute and Rishi Chitri pelted the 5th goal in 60th minute.
The main sponsors of the Championship are Federal Bank, South Indian Bank and Canara Bank whereas the Co-Sponsors include M/S Try Me Readymade Garments, Pritam Advertisers, Punjabi Brothers and Honor Powered by Huawei.
The opening match was officiated by Rakesh Kumar, Dheeraj Mania, Rocky, Rajinder Singh and Mohinder Kalsi.
Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Sharma praised Christian Sports Organization for holding this mega soccer event and said that here is need of organizing more such tournaments on religious festivals, adding that such events apart from honing talent of the budding sportspersons also help in enjoying festivals through the medium of sports.
He said sports help youth not to derail from the mainstream and keep them away from drugs and allied evils.
The Minister of State for Sports further said that the Government is committed to raise infrastructural facilities and promote sports in nooks and corners of the State.
IGP Jammu Danish Rana also conveyed his best wishes to the participating teams for their best performance in the championship. He also wishes Merry Christmas in advance to the Organizing team and other present on the occasion.
Fr Kuriakose presented welcome address and gave brief report of the tournament. He said that 16 formidable teams are participating in this football extravaganza, the slogan of which is ‘Don’t do drugs’.
Earlier, the trophy was presented to the chief guest for its display by Santa Clause in a unique style, which was appreciated by all present on the occasion.
The proceedings of the inaugural function were conducted by anchors Rajesh Dhar and RP Singh.
In tomorrow’s fixture, Mussa FC will take on Young Star at 2 pm.
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