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WHY SHOUD FOOTBALLERS HAVE ALL THE FUN!
Stars of the different games share fun match at Polo Ground
Sajad Kralyari
Srinagar, June 18: It was a rare scene at Polo Ground on Thursday where former international footballers of the State played a friendly football match along with renowned players of the other games.
Organized by Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA), the football exhibition match proved to be feast for the spectators who were craving to see the old soccer stars of the State play football.
Besides former and present international footballers, the match also featured valley’s fast bowler, Sami-ul-ah Beigh, former Ranji players Qyoom Bagaw and current cricketers like Zahoor and Mudassir.
Valley’s international Kayaker, Zahoor Ahmad Latoo, and ace athlete and the top cyclist of the valley, Riyaz Ahmad Wani were also part of the fun match today.
Mohammad Yousuf Dar, Khursheed Baba, Mohammad Sayed, Mohammad
Aslam Dar and Zahoor Haroon were the notable faces among the former international footballers.
The star attractions of this fun match were Mehraj-ud-din Wadoo and Ishfaq Ahmad.
These renowned players were grouped into two teams-Commissioners XI and Mayor XI which the former won by 3-0 goals.
The players were excited after playing the match as it brought together all the former and the present players of different games.
“It was heartwarming to see the combination of players of the different games. Some of the young players wanted to see the skills of the former international footballers and they got the chance see them in this fun game,” said one of the former international footballers, Riyaz Ahmad Wani.
He said that such matches should be played at regular intervals to promote the game and provide fun to the lovers of this popular game.
The non-footballers were excited to be the part of the fun game.
“Kashmir is popular for football and I only used to watch this game. This match gave me the chance to taste this game also. This is an exciting stuff,” said the Valley’s pacer, Sami-ul-ah Beigh.
He also seconded the view that such games should be played frequently to promote the game.
Another International player in Kayaking and Canoeing, Zahoor Ahmad Latoo, said that the fun match is an exciting idea and should be introduced in other games also.
“I would have never got the chance to be a part football match which would feature star players. It was an irresistible offer for me when I was called to play in the match,” said Latoo.
The ace cyclist of the State, Riyaz Ahmad Wani, was happy to be the part of the match which featured Wadoo and Ishfaq.
“I would not have imagined playing along with international players. These friendly matches are organized outside the State where film stars also take part,” said Wani.
He said that the people had only heard of the names of the star players of the Valley but this match brought all the players together.
“People got the chance to see the star players of different games in the same ground. They were craving to see them and their wishes were fulfilled,” said Wani.
The match was organized by Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA) and sponsored by Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC). SMC had appointed one of its employee and the former general secretary Jammu and Kashmir Football Association, Bashir Ahmad Malik, as the coordinator of the matches.
Mayor SMC, Salman Sagar, was the chief guest while as Commissioner SMC and Director Information, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu, was the guest of honor on the occasion.
Promising the revival of SMC football team, Renzu, said that the football is popular in the Valley and SMC will take steps to promote the sports.
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