SRINAGAR: As a goodwill gesture and providing international exposure to budding footballers, University of Kashmir, on Wednesday hosted U-17 Indian National Football team for an exhibition cum friendly match at Ground ‘B’ of the Varsity. This is a momentous occasion for entire University to host a National team, which has excelled and proved their mettle at International level championship.
In line with the visionary idea of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi of taking sport activities to every nook and corner of the country, University of Kashmir is taking a lead in promoting sports activities for the students enrolled with University and its affiliated colleges across valley. The Indian U-17 Football team has been provided the basic amenities by Varsity to carry out their intermediate high altitude training in view of forthcoming International competitions in pipeline.
An exhibition cum friendly match was played between Varsity’s Football team, and U-17 Indian Football team. Both teams exhibited their football prowess during course of the game in allotted time. The match was played to provide a flip to University sports culture, and as a booster to enhance morale of athletes at large to showcase their talent.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nilofar Khan presided over the function as chief guest. She was impressed to witness a thrilling performance from both teams in a highly competitive game, which went goalless.
While speaking on the occasion, she congratulated U-17 Indian Football team for winning the recently concluded SAFF Championship held in Bhutan.
University of Kashmir has a robust sports ecosystem in terms of coaching staff and state of art facilities for the students to execute their practice and thereby winning laurels for the Varsity in general and Country in particular. She also conveyed her best wishes to young players representing U-17 Indian Football team for having qualified for AFC Qualifiers.
Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shareef U Din Peerzada was also present on the occasion, highlighted the role of professional players in grooming young talented footballers of the Jammu & Kashmir.
Registrar, Prof. Naseeer Iqbal, remarked that University of Kashmir is working tirelessly in providing best facilities to players for displaying their talent at various levels of competition in various disciplines.
Earlier, Director, Physical Education & Sports, Prof. Tariq Ahmad Chesti presented a welcome address and highlighted Directorate’s commitment to improve University sports culture.
Prominent among others present on the occasion were, Dean School of Arts and Languages, Prof. Salahudin Tak, Head Department of Political Science, Prof. Irshad Ahmad Peerzada, Special Secretary to Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Zarri and officials from Directorate of Physical Education and Sports.
The event was organised by Varsity’s Directorate of Physical Education and Sports and coordinated by the International Football Coach and Coach Educator, Sajid Yousuf Dar. Ishfaq Ahmed, Head Coach, National FootballTeam delivered a formal vote of thanks.