7-A Side Knockout Football Tournament culminates in thrilling finale

Pampore: The Iqbal Ground Tanchibagh in Saffron Town Pampore witnessed a gripping finale on Saturday evening as Football Club Max Ganderbal and PGS Football Academy Budgam clashed in the grand finale of the Etihad Winter Cup 7-A Side Knockout Football Tournament. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout, ultimately won by PGS Football Academy.
The tournament, organized by Etihad Football Academy in collaboration with Jammu Kashmir Football Association, received sponsorship from Spectrum Advertising Agency, with additional support from Twins Hub, Zaid Construction, and India Kesar Company.
The grand finale was graced by Chief guest Waseem Asalam, chief Cadinator JK Football Association and guest of honour Haji Abdul Rashid Bhat, Chairman Spectrum Advertising Services, Zonal Physical Education Officer Masrat Hussain Andrabi and distinguished guests Ex International Football Player Lateef Ahmad in attendance.
Head Coach of Etihad Football Academy, Sajjid Nazir, told Kashmir Reader that a total of 16 teams from across Kashmir participated in this winter tournament. The culmination of the event saw a gripping final match contested between Football Club Max and PGS Academy.
Hundreds of people were present to witness this football tournament.
The guests distributed Trophies along with mementoes among the winners, runners ups and other participants, he said.
The chief guest and other dignitaries lauded all participating teams for their sportsmanship, with special commendations for Football Club Max and PGS Academy for braving the winter temperatures.
The chilly weather added an extra layer of challenge to the tournament, showcasing the dedication and resilience of both teams. The organizers expressed gratitude to the sponsors and participants for contributing to the success of the Etihad Winter Cup, making it a memorable event in the football calendar.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Chief Coordinator JK Football Association Waseem Aslam expressed his delight at the ongoing football tournaments in Saffron Town Pampore during this winter season. He extended congratulations to Etihad Football Academy and DFA Pampore for successfully organizing the winter tournament, acknowledging the technical staff, JK Football Association, and referees for their contributions.
Waseem Aslam specifically commended the organizers, Haji Abdul Rasheed Bhat, and Youth Services Sports Incharge Masrat Hussain Andrabi for their active participation, even in sub-zero temperatures. He applauded the decision to continue football tournaments despite the challenging weather in 2023.
Waseem Aslam urged organizers to continue such initiatives, emphasizing that organizing tournaments is a crucial way to keep youth away from drugs. He expressed readiness to collaborate with the Jammu Kashmir Football Association for any assistance that could further enhance football activities in the region.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Haji Abdul Rashid Bhat expressed joy over the ongoing sports activities in Saffron Town Pampore during this winter season. He emphasized that such sports activities contribute to keeping the youth away from drugs. Bhat reiterated his commitment to continue sponsoring such tournaments, highlighting that his organization has sponsored numerous sports events in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
He extended congratulations to the Etihad Football Academy which organizes such tournaments during the winter, recognizing their efforts in promoting sports in the region.

BILAL HABIB