ISAT WINTER FOOTBALL TOURNEY KICKS OFF AT AMAR SINGH COLLEGE

MARCOS LAUDED FOR ENHANCING FOOTBALL QUALITY IN VALLEY
ABID KHAN

Srinagar, Jan 5: The second edition of International Football Academy Trust winter special football tournament organised by Brazilian coach Marcos kicked off at Amar Singh College Ground on Monday. Despite icy temperatures and dilapidated field condition, football enthusiasts in great number thronged the venue to watch the inaugural match. The tournament is being held under the auspices Jammu and Kashmir Football Association. Speaking at the inaugural function, Marcos, who runs the ISAT, said that he was in the valley to promote football, for which there was no dearth of the talent. “To be frank, the initial response was not all that encouraging,” he said. “I continued with my activities and trained youngsters almost on daily basis even during strikes and curfews. Last year’s tournament was a great success which encouraged us to include A-Division league this year.” He said 40 teams in under-16, B-Division and A-Division leagues are likely to participate in the tournaments. “We’re expecting a quality tournament this year,” he said. Appreciating the support of the Football Association, Marcos, however expressed some grouse against the Sports Council. “I’ve not taken any money from the players,” he said. “Apart from training, I’ve been providing equipment to the players. I don’t know why the Sports Council should feel unhappy about it.” The JKFA resident secretary, Professor Bashir Ahmad, lauded Marcos for his contribution in promoting football in the valley. “Marcos set the tradition of playing football during winters,” he said. “It has started a domino effect and more tournaments are being conducted during winters.” He said that Marcos efforts would go a long way in making football an all-weather sport in Kashmir. Senior football coach, Abdullah and State Road Transport coach, Nazir Ahmad Andrabi, also hailed Marcos for taking such an initiative. “Sports Council should be highly thankful to him,” they said. “It’s absolutely unfair that someone out there to toil hard for the enhancement of the quality of football is being discouraged.” Taking a dig at the Council for reportedly not allowing the tournament to be played at the Polo Ground, Abdullah said: “Look at the condition of the ground,” he said while pointing to the mud filled ground dotted with massive potholes. “I have told my boys not apply themselves too hard as there are chances of injury here. I don’t want any of my players to get hurt.” He said that some JKFA officials informed him that some Sports Council officials did not allow Marcos to hold the tournament at Polo Ground. “It is disheartening that the body that ought to promote the sports is against the promotion of football in the valley.” Later the professor shook hands with the players of the teams featuring in the inaugural mach and declared the tournament open. The inaugural match was fought by the ISAT-A and Crescent Football Club boys. The ISAT won the match 2-1. In the second match, Solina Club defeated Hyder Football Club 1-0. The second day is scheduled to include four matches of under-16 level. The first encounter would begin at 1pm.
(published in greater kashmir on Janury -6-2009 link : http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=6_1_2009&ItemID=4&cat=4)