JAMMU, Mar 10: The final of the 3rd Rajiv Gandhi Gold Cup Football Tournament turned out to be a thriller with both teams putting in their best thus entertained the healthy crowd at the GGM Science College ground, here this afternoon. However, at the end of the day, Forest XI clinched the well fought super game making it 5-4 in tie-breaker against Sher-e-Punjab. Earlier, the final ended in a 1-1 draw in the stipulated time resulting into application of tie-breaker rules to decide the fate of the game.
Likewise the 90-minute contest on the ground, the tie breaker too enthusiast the crowd with visiting Punjab side taking first lead, but only to miss on a power-packed kick taken by Kunal that hit the goal bar. Leveled at 3-3 in tie-breaker, the miss on the fifth penalty cost Sher-e-Punjab the match after Nasir successfully beat the guard at the net pushing the ball into left corner. Earlier, in the stipulated time, Rakesh helped Sher-e-Punjab took first lead netting the ball in the 31st. However, in the second half, Forest XI brought in the equalizer through Owaid in 48th minute. It was followed by equally good game from both the sides. The high voltage final was officiated by Vijay (centre), Ricky, Koushal and Hilal as referees. In the final and valedictory function of the tournament, organised by Narinder Gupta under the banner of All J&K Indira Gandhi People's Association, Minister for Sports, Taj Mohi-u-Din was chief guest while Minister of State, Vikar Rasool was guest of honour. Trained at Mahalpur Played in the name of Sher-e-Punjab, the young runners-up team belongs to a Mahalpur based football academy in Punjab. The team played with two boys from Jammu namely Dimple Bhagat and Rishi Chetri. The academy is supported by All India Football Federation (AIFF). |
