As many as 16 teams from Ranchi, Gumla and latehar districts would take part in the 18th Kartik Oraon Football Tournament going to be organised in Ranchi from September 20. The tournament would be played at Helal where all the matches would be on knock out basis.
Informing about this former IPS officer and president of Hehal Sporting Dr Arun Oroan said on Sunday that the winner would be given Rs 51,000 as award money. “Starting from September 20, the tournament would continue for 6 days and finals would be played on September 25. We have invited former Deputy CM Sudesh Mahto in the opening ceremony while Sports Minister Amar Kumar Bauri is expected to remain present on the closing day,” said Dr Oraon.
The club has also roped in State empanelled referees to supervise the matches so that standard of the tournament can be ensured. “It has been planned that three matches would be played daily at the Hehal Ground which would be full length matches not just customary ones like in double-Khassi tournaments organised here. This would produce some good players of national and international levels who can get jobs in corporate houses and PSUs,” said Dr Oraon, who is also vice-president with JSPl in Jharkhand.
He at the same time also expressed hope that the power and steel major would form its own team in future so that players from underprivileged areas can get proper opportunities. Members of the club remained present on the occasion.