Habba Khatoon Gold Cup 2020 concludes at Gurez
People turned up to witness a football match as enthusiasm overshadowed fear in Kashmir’s Border area Gurez. The area is otherwise restricted due to security reasons. Gurez valley in Bandipora district of Northern Kashmir has remained in news for the last almost three decades for gun battles between infiltrating militants and the security forces. However, on (August) for a change, the news emanating from the area was not because of violence, but the game of football.
The brain behind the revival of football in the Gurez Tahir Baig, who is also eminent footballer of Valley said that holding such an event in remote area near LoC is possible only due to the wholehearted support of locals. He said during these three days, I didn’t feel that this place is close to the LoC. Such was the enthusiasm of the football fans that for a moment, we forgot whether we are near border or somewhere else. He said that we organised this tourney to Promote Football in the remote area Gurez. Since there is very much talent among the Youth of Gurez, they only need to be trained from the grass root level. Bandipora Football Community will try every possible effort to promote football at local levels tahir said.
The First kind of Football Tourney in Gurez was kick started on August 19 and Concluded on 21th at Habba Khatoon Sports Stadium Bandipora. In the final, Sports Club crushed Dawar FC by 3-0. Though Dawar FC made several moves from both flanks to reduce the goal deficit but failed to convert into goals. When the final whistle blew the final scoreline didn’t alter 3-0 in favour of Dawar FC.
The tournament was organised by Bandipora Football Community in Collaboration with J&K Students Association and National and International Footballers Forum. People from different walks appreciated organizers of the tournament for organizing such events to promote talent and football in Border area Gurez.
Irfan, a local of Dawar Gurez said that in my lifetime, I have never seen Football in Gurez before this. We have suffered immensely from last three decades since area is close to the LOC. We hope that Bandipora football community will hold such events in near future too in Gurez to promote football and talent of Gurez. He said that Licensed Coach and Eminent Footballer Tahir baig empowered with his Knowledge, motivated us with his teaching, skills, he helped us to move ahead. His approachability and helpful attitude towards the entire Football Community is praiseworthy, irfan added.
National and International Players and coaches Sajad yousuf dar, Muzamil Mohammad and Dr Burhan also interact with players and will test there soccer skills. International Coach Sajid Yousuf Dar encouraged the players and advised them to play with sporting spirit and always preserve sanctity of sports and games.
Azhar Ali of Bandipora Football Community said that we will conduct more such tournaments in future to promote Football in Border area Gurez. He said that our academy will act as football training school and provide players a platform to prepare for state and national level competitions.
Nasir Ahmad, Football Coach said that under SFA Bandipora, the emerging talent will scale new heights, Such initiatives not only make sports a serious endeavour, but also motivate youth to pursue career in it
