Srinagar: J&K Football Association under 19 years Football team has qualified for finals of 52nd National Junior Football Championship 2017-18 at UNA, Himachal Pradesh. Team defeated Daman & Dew by 3:0 and Manipur by 1:0 in Pool D matches and qualified for Semi-final against Chandigarh. Two neighbour teams clashed at HP Khad Football ground on 5th February 2018 as favourites. J&K took the field with 2 injured players among first 11 and also had to exclude one player because of Red Card.
The J&K team faced tremendous hooting and opposition from host supporters. The first half ended with 0:0 draw. The 2nd half Match started with full tension on both sides, but J&K kept cool and earned one goal lead through Shakir in 40th mint from a successful attack. 1-0 lead raised the moral of the team.
Chandigarh team tried its full might and used all its ability and heavy support but J&K Stood by it “Be Cool and Calm”. They stood like a wall and came out with flying colours with score one/zero. Team coach Sh. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, AFC qualified and Ex-National Player of J&K Bank Football Team, Sh. Bilal Ahmad, Assistant Secretary JKFA as Manager & Aamir Hussain raised the morale of all players in every match, and looked after the Team players.
This achievement in Football indicates the hard work exhibited by the team and by every member of JKFA.
This team is first to qualify for finals of the National Championship in the history of JKFA which was formed in1964 (in Junior age group).
The team members, its officials congratulate all Office Bearers and Members of J&K State Sports Council and J&K Football Association for their support and also Football lovers of J&K for their good wishes and prayers.
The team Members and Officials need patronage and encouragement from President and Vice-President of J&K State Sports Council , Chief Minister and Sports Minister.
