Srinagar, Nov 3: Chattergam Academy lifted Inter-Academy football tournament defeating Polo Ground Academy-A by 2-1 in the final at Polo ground here on Saturday.
 In first half, Chattergam scored two goals. Tasaduq was the scorer on both the occasions. Though both teams played aggressively, lack of converting chances into goals made Polo Ground team vulnerable. At the end of first half time score was 2-0 in favour of Chattergam.
 In second half, Polo ground tried hard to bounce back and attacked the opposite goal post several times. They were able to reduce the margin by one goal in 50th minute. Dawood Rahil was the scorer. They got several chances to equalise but were not able to convert chances. Eventually, Chattergam won the and lifted the title.
 Chief Post Master General J&K Circle, John Samuel who was chief guest on the occasion distributed prizes among the winners. Former J&K Football Association President Nazir Ahmad Khan, former footballers Abdul Majeed Kakroo and Muhammad Shafi Nari were also present on the occasion.
 28 academy teams participated in the event held in off-season.
 Coach of the winning side Showkat Ahmad was delighted with the performance of his team.
 “It is great to emerge out as winners. Players gave their best and I hope they would to continue in same way in upcoming events,” he said.
 AFC-A licence football coach Hilal Ahmad who trains the runner up team, said, “Though my team lost, to reach upto final was a big achievement. My players got big match exposure through this event and I am sure many of them will go way ahead in career.”
 About the initiative and its benefits for the youngsters, he said, “The youngsters train throughout the year learning tit bits of the game. But to test those learned skills they need competitive atmosphere and this event will provide that. It is best step taken by Association and I hope they will continue with it.”
 The event was organised by J&K Football Association for the youngsters.  “We are happy that we got the opportunity to show our talent. Throughout year we keep learning techniques without having actual match atmosphere. This event is real big event and we did our best to make our presence felt in it” said Tabish of Polo Ground academy.
 Another player said, “Not only playing matches but the surrounding atmosphere also helping us to absorb the competitive pressure.”
 Seeing the inaugural event turning out hit the JKFA plans to make it an annual affair.
 “It is for the first time we organised the event and we are buoyed by the response. We would like to make it an annual affair,” said organising secretary of the event, Bashir Malik.
 “This year Postal department Kashmir sponsored the event and we hope that they will support us in future as well,” he added.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 3 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 3 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 4 Dec 2011 00:00:00 IST