Srinagar : Bandipora and Ganderbal have qualified for the grand finale of the ongoing UT-Level Inter-District Football Competition for Under-17 Boys after an action-packed fourth day featuring fiercely contested quarter-final and semi-final encounters at different venues across Baramulla.
The championship is being organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, under the supervision of Anuradha Gupta, Director General, Youth Services and Sports, J&K, and hosted by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, District Baramulla.
The day witnessed remarkable performances, close contests and intense competition as the participating teams battled for places in the semi-finals and the coveted final.
At Synthetic Turf, Azad Ganj, Baramulla, Poonch defeated Kishtwar by 3–2 in a closely fought encounter to secure a place in the semi-finals. In the second quarter-final at the same venue, host district Baramulla registered a narrow 1–0 victory over Budgam, advancing to the last four.
At MET Ground, Sopore, Bandipora edged past Srinagar by 1–0 to book its semi-final berth, while Ganderbal delivered a convincing performance against Kupwara, securing a 3–1 victory to complete the semi-final lineup.
The semi-finals produced two thrilling contests, with both finalists emerging victorious through penalty shootouts after fiercely competitive encounters.
At MET Ground, Sopore, Bandipora faced Poonch in the first semi-final. After the match was decided by a penalty shootout, Bandipora prevailed 5–3 on penalties, securing its place in the championship final.
In the second semi-final at HSS Hadipora, Ganderbal overcame host district Baramulla in another closely contested battle. Ganderbal won 5–4 on penalties to earn the second and final berth in the title clash.
Mushtaq Ahmad Pampori, District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO), Baramulla, congratulated both Bandipora and Ganderbal on qualifying for the final. He extended his best wishes to the two teams and expressed hope that the concluding encounter would showcase the highest standards of sportsmanship, discipline and competitive spirit.
The grand finale of the championship is scheduled to be played tomorrow at St. Joseph’s School Ground, Baramulla, where Bandipora and Ganderbal will compete for the Under-17 Boys’ UT-Level Football title.
