SRINAGAR: The All India Football Federation has once again chosen Kashmir as the venue for the U-17 National team camp prior to their participation in the SAFF and AFC Qualifiers.

For the second consecutive year, 35 players from across the country, along with 7 staff members led by local star and head coach Ishfaq Ahmed, will begin their three-month camp starting from 8th July.

In addition, the J&K Sports Council is organizing summer coaching camps in Archery, Rugby, Gymnastics, and Hockey from 8th to 17th July. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the relevant officials at the JKSC office to join these exciting camps.

In other news, the Kashmir Open Hockey Tournament 2024 is in full swing. Organized by the Kashmir Veterans Hockey Society in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council under the ‘My Youth My Pride’ initiative, 16 teams from different districts are competing at the J&K Sports Council’s Hockey Turf at Polo Ground Srinagar. The competition is heating up, and tomorrow, the finalists will face off for the ultimate triumph.

Football enthusiasts are also eagerly following the Spring Legacy Knockout Football Tournament at Polo Ground, organized in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council. Since 31st May 2024, 24 teams have been fiercely competing. The finalists, Syed Taj-ud-Din Football Club Natipora and Downtown Heroes Football Club, will vie for the crown on 12th July 2024.

The Secretary of the J&K Sports Council has extended her best wishes to the finalists of the football and hockey tournaments, saying, Sports pave the way for our youth to showcase their talent and earn laurels for the UT and the country at international events.

“Jammu and Kashmir is turning out to be a hotbed for sports culture, and I am glad that AIFF has chosen Srinagar to host the U-17 National team camp with our local hero as head coach. I am sure the climate, high altitude, and full support will once again help the National football team bring back gold like last year,” she added.

KR Desk