New Delhi: The team from Jatragachi Pranabananda High School, 24 Parganas Bengal made a bright beginning to the 56th edition of the Subroto Cup Football Tournament when they beat Farook Higher Secondary School, Kerala 4-0 at the Ambedkar Stadium here today.
Thus the Bengal boys logged their full points to sound out a warning to the rest of the teams in Pool A, particularly Maharashtra and Lakshadweep, who locks horns in their first match tomorrow at the New Wellington ground, along with three other matches. The same day will see five more matches to be played at the Ambedkar Stadium. In other words, all teams in fray will be engaged from Day Two onwards with each of eight pools.
Coming back to the opening day’s fare, both Kerala and West Bengal began cautiously to pick speed towards midway. However, the star players of the day turned out to be Captain Dipankar Ghosh & Imran Hassan scored two goals each to post a pleasant win of 4-0.
It was imperative for the team to open with a victory as it not only gives confidence for the matches ahead, but also because only one team from the pool will qualify for the knockout phase. That is when one can expect the intensity heightening as teams get closer to the final, which is scheduled for September 24.
Just before the match, the gala ceremony marked the formal opening of this year’s Subroto Cup Football where Air Marshal BBP Sinha AVSM was the chief guest. There were numerous other personalities from the Air Force who made their presence felt.
The marching in of teams followed the address to team members by chief guest who urged the team to continue playing this beautiful game and play it in the spirit of the game. He also said that the game of football has greater potential and the youngsters can make a career out of it.
After that the players took oath, which is customary besides setting standards and inculcating discipline among players in a tournament where teams from different parts of the country are assembled.
A cultural programme organized to entertain the players and guests left an imprint on all those who had gathered at the stadium as it was applauded by one and all. The ceremony also marked introduction of players to the chief guest and a photo opportunity was provided with the teams.
Chief guest Air Marshal BBP Sinha AVSM kicked the ball to set the ball rolling in the 56th edition of the tournament. During the half-time break, the Air Force band enthralled the crowd with its well coordinated display.