*JK Invitational Cup to begin on Oct 17
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 16: Secretary Youth Services and Sports Sarmad Hafeez today said that Government is committed to providing each and every support needed for boosting the football infrastructure across the State enabling tainted youngsters to showcase their talent at National and International levels.
He made these remarks while addressing a press conference here regarding the announcement of Jammu and Kashmir Invitational Football Cup, which will commence from October 17, 2018 at the TRC Turf football stadium.
While highlighting the importance of such events for the development of better football culture in the State, he further stated that the J&K Sports Council and J&K Football Association is leaving no stone unturned in tapping sports talent in the valley and one can easily foresee a better atmosphere for games and sports in the days to come.
Hafeez informed that the construction works of Bakshi Stadium will be completed upto March 2019 at an estimated cost of Rs 44 crore. He said that the valley will soon get its first football stadium as per FIFA norms complete with floodlights. In addition to it, indoor stadiums are coming up at every district across the State at a cost of Rs 4 crore each and by the end of next year, they will be ready to host indoor games facilities for the youth. Government is upgrading facilities with Floodlighting at TRC Turf Football Stadium. In November-December, Pre-I- League football matches will be played there and best teams of the country will play their matches at TRC Turf which will change the perception about the sports in the valley.
The Administrative Secretary assured every possible help from the State Government in polishing sports talent of those footballers who play with dedication, better techniques and sportsman spirit.
President J&K Football Association President Zameer Ahmad informed the media that as a trailer to the I-League senior football league to be hosted in the valley in November, the J&K Football Association and J&K Sports Council are jointly organizing the ‘Kashmir Invitation Cup 2018’ from October 17 to 23 at the TRC Turf football stadium.
Four participating teams from the country include Minerva Punjab FC (I-League champions), Bengaluru FC (ISL team), Delhi United FC and Sudeva FC (2ND Division I-League Teams). Four local teams in the event are I-League 2nd Division Champion Real Kashmir FC, States first I-League team Lone Star Kashmir FC, State Football Academy and J&K Bank FC.
DG Youth Services and Sports Dr Saleem-u-Rehman, Senior officers from J&K Sports Council, all members of J&K Football Association and other concerned officials were present on the occasion.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
