Mendhar: The Pir Panjal Football League was conducted by the army at Mendhar to promote sports and inculcate a spirit of camaraderie and patriotism amongst youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The league, an Inter District Football Tournament showcased Josh, Jazba, Team Spirit and leadership.
Seven teams from the Jammu Region to include Poonch Panthers, Rajouri Royals, Reasi Rustoms, Naushera Knight Riders, Doda Dare Devils, Kishtwar Strikers and Ramban Warriors participated in the league. In the first semifinals conducted on 05 November 2016, Poonch Panthers defeated Rajouri Royals by a comfortable margin of 8-0 in a one sided match. In the second semifinals, Kishtwar Strikers beat Naushera Knight Riders in a nail biting finish which led to a penalty shootout in which Kishtwar Strikers emerged as winners with a score of 4-2. The final match was played between Poonch Panthers and Kishtwar Strikers at OP Hill Stadium, Mendhar, today.
The match drew a large crowd of locals who emerged to cheer the local team. All team members were beaming with josh amongst loud cheers from the crowd who despite the fear of cease fire violation emerged in large numbers. The final score was 6-1 in which Poonch Panthers beat Kishtwar Strikers.
Poonch Panthers were awarded the winner’s trophy and a cash prize of Rs 50,000 while the Kishtwar Strikers received the runner up trophy and a cash prize of Rs 30,000. Raja Akil Usman of Kishtwar Strikers was adjudged the best player of the tournament and bagged a trophy and cash prize of Rs 10,000/-. Karamveer Luthra alias Akshay and Mohd Shokat of Poonch Panthers were adjudged as the highest goal scorer and best goal keeper of the tournament respectively and were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- each. The winner team and the runner up teams were also felicitated with medals.
Army thanked the civil administration for their whole hearted support in facilitating the smooth conduct of the tournament and also thanked the media for wide coverage of the event.