Mangalore, July 18: The biggest event on the district's football calendar kicked off on Monday, with the inauguration of 15th Independence Cup Football Tournament at the Football Ground adjacent to Nehru Maidan here.
Mangalore Mayor Praveen Anchan formally inaugurated the tournament by kicking off the ball.
Over 150 teams and 2,000 young players are participating in this month long day long tournament, being organised under the aegis of Dakshina Kannada Football Association's efforts (DKFA) with the intention to promote football in Dakshina Kannada.
Speaking after inaugurating the tourney, Mr Praveen stressed on the need to hold such tournaments to promote games and sports among the youths. He appreciated the DKFA for initiating such a tournament.
He also promised to strive for the improvement of football ground.
Presiding over the programme, P Jayaram Hande, Managing Director of Karnataka Bank, said that games and tournaments would contribute in promoting peace and harmony in the society.
D M Aslam, President of DKFA said that this tournament has set a national record by attracting large number of teams. “This is a revolution indeed”, he proclaimed.
Husain Bolar, Secretary of DKFA welcomed the gathering. Vijaya Survarna read out the memorandum submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada. Umesh Uchil proposed vote of thanks.
Prof P C M Kunhi, Chairman, P C Group, Divakar, Corporator, MCC and Shekar Puthran, Fish Commission Agent, were present as guests.
Seven Categories
The matches would be played in seven separate categories. The matches for Higher Primary School boys and girls teams would be held from July 18 to 20. For High School boys and girls teams, matches would be held from July 21 to 25. The competition for PU College teams would be held from July 26 to 29. The college level football matches would be held between July 30 and August 7, and the professional college teams would play the matches between August 8 and 14.
The final matches for High School, PU College and Degree College teams would be held on August 15, he said.
The Independence Cup tournaments have been taking place in Mangalore since 1997, the year of 50th anniversary of the country's independence. Last Independence Cup had attracted as many as 155 teams.
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