Srinagar 11th September: The first edition of City Invitational Football Tournament 2015 was inaugurated today here at Eidgah Ground with an exhibition match between J&K F&S XI and loanStar KFC. The tournament is being played under the aegis of J&K Football Association and is being sponsored by SAIFCO CEMENTS PVT LTD. The tournament is a joint initiative of Ex-Football players of the area and Safaloo Football Club.
President J&K Football Association Mr Zameer Ahmad Thakur who also happens to be Joint Secretary State Sports Council was Chief Guest on the occasion. The occasion was also graced by Mr Nazir A Khan Former President JKFA, besides all office bearers of the Association were also present. Praising the efforts put in by organising committee for conduction of the tournament, Chief Guest Mr Z A Thakur assured all possible help to the organising committee for smooth conduct of the tournament . Ex-Chairman J&K Bank Sports Board Mr. Abdul Hamid Banday, who is the Chairman of the Organising Committee, thanked all the stakeholders for their support. While delivering his speech he said “such type of event is being held in Eidgah after a gap of about 10 years, aiming to revive football in this part of valley.”Local people of the area and football lovers across the Valley appreciated this initiative of organisers and JKFA, he added.
Today’s exhibition match between F&S & Lonestar was witnessed by huge crowd which was won by F&S by a margin of 2-1. The first match of the tournament is scheduled on 13th September (Sunday) between Jehangir Sports and Al-Mansoor XI at 4pm at Eidgah Ground.