BANDIPORA: Chinar FC Andergam defeated Royal FC Naidkhai 2-0 to win the inaugural SKB Champions Cup at SKB Stadium, Naidkhai, on Friday.
The tournament was organised by Thunder FC and Kashmir Hunks, witnessing enthusiastic participation from football enthusiasts and a large gathering of spectators.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary attended the grand finale as chief guest. Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat, Sonawari MLA Hilal Akbar Lone and Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar attended the event as guests of honour.
The final between Chinar FC Andergam and Royal FC Naidkhai featured competitive play and spirited performances, with spectators cheering for their respective teams. The gathering maintained discipline throughout the event.
Congratulating Chinar FC on winning the inaugural championship, Choudhary appreciated both teams for their performance and sportsmanship. He urged players and young people to continue working hard and strive for excellence in sports as well as other fields of life.
Addressing the gathering, Wani extended his best wishes to the organisers and participating teams and appreciated the smooth management and successful conduct of the tournament. He said prioritising young people and providing them adequate opportunities in sports should remain a key focus.
During the prize distribution ceremony, Chinar FC Andergam was presented with the championship trophy and a cash award of ₹70,000 by the Deputy Chief Minister. Wani presented a cheque of ₹30,000 to the runner-up team, Royal FC Naidkhai.
The organisers expressed gratitude to the players, public representatives, officers, spectators and other stakeholders for their cooperation and support in making the inaugural edition of the SKB Champions Cup successful.
Senior officers and officials of various departments of the district administration, besides sports enthusiasts and members of the general public, were also present on the occasion.
