Kashmir set to hold Santosh Trophy

Kashmir set to hold Santosh Trophy
AIFF team satisfied with the overall improvement

Baba Umar
RISING KASHMIR


Srinagar, Dec. 18: Football lovers will finally have a sigh of relief as the official team of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), today inspected the infrastructure necessary for granting the 62nd edition of Santosh trophy to the state, confirmed their satisfaction with the arrangements.

The two member inspection team that included AIFF vice president, Subrotta Dutta and member Nasir Ali said that they will send a “favourable report” to AIFF, which on Dec. 22 will declare its final decision. “We are convinced with the arrangements and we hope to get a positive nod from AIFF,” said AIFF vice president Subrotta Dutta. “I am confident that AIFF will give its green signal to carry on the tournament here in J&K.” The 2006 edition of the tournament was shifted to Haryana at the last moment after AIFF expressed uncertainty over the infrastructural limitations of the state. However, with all the venues fully upgraded now, the inspection team wished to make the event a big success. “We want to make football popular here as I believe that it is the only state where football is more popular than cricket.” Dutta said. “We will give financial help to Jammu Kashmir Football Association (JKFA), so that we could organise it in a big way.”

The inspection team visited Bakshi Stadium and Polo ground, and declared the pending work as completely upgraded. “We are glad to see the ground conditions in Bakshi stadium and even at polo ground; the dressing rooms fully upgraded.” Dutta, who led the two member official team said. The inspection team was accompanied by Director Youth services and Sports, Ravinder Gupta, Joint Secretary Sports Council, Abdul Rouf and other sports officials.

Dutta said the AIFF would take a final call on the venue for hosting the 62nd Santosh trophy in its crucial executive meeting in New Delhi on December 22. The mood is positive and J&K this time is certain to hold the coveted soccer trophy after more than three decades.