Bandipora, Jan 20 (KNS): Even after world cup ended, the football fever is yet to die down in the valley despite chilling cold.
The Bandipora girls Football team of International Delhi Public School are all set to play national level match in New Delhi that would qualify them to play at Emirates stadium in London.
The girls are currently practicing vigorously at SK Stadium Bandipora and IDPS grounds to fulfill their dream of playing in London.
“Our spirits are high. We have defeated some big teams on JK at UT level that has boosted our morale we are second to none. We have set our eyes on London matches,” said Laika Mushtaq, captain of the IDPS football team.
In the ongoing Youth Football championship organised by Extra Marks, Bandipora IDPS Girls football team won the UT-level Championship[ at astro-turf ground Srinagar defeating elite schools of the Srinagar city thus qualifying for the nationals.
Chairman IDPS Fayaz Ahmad said he is hopeful that the team will win the matches in Delhi on February 2nd so that they can qualify for international championship to be played in London.
He said the Bandipora girls proved their mettle at international level time and again winning gold medals many times. “Yet again we are expecting good news for the football lovers,” he said. “The girls will make Bandipora proud again,” he added.
Football coach of the IDPS team, Shazam Mukhtar Turk said the team is practicing vigorously braving all odds including the chilling cold. “Despite snow, the girls report at SK stadium early morning and practice till late afternoon,” he said adding that the dream to play in London isn’t allowing the girls to rest. “They have defeated all odds till now and we are hopeful they will defeat the little barricades ahead to fly to Emirates Stadium”.
Chairman Fayaz Ahmad thanked district administration especially Deputy Commissioner Bandipora for continuous support promote sports activities in the district. He said the district administration always facilitated us to ensure the players especially girl student are provided a favorable environment to showcase their mettle in whatever field.(KNS)