The State Government will promote the rural sportspersons. This was stated by Chief Minister Raghubar Das during the inaugural ceremony of 11 day-long All India Invitational Football Tournament at Birsa Munda Football Stadium on Tuesday. He said, “Jharkhand is a rich State in terms of sports. Hockey and football are popular in the State. Villagers can be seen playing football. In such circumstances, we need to track rural players. Sports help in maintaining a healthy and disciplined life.”
Sports Minister Amar Kumar Bauri announced that the Government would soon approach NGOs to come forward in order to search talented sportspersons. Notably, 16 teams including Churchill Brothers of Goa, Border Security Force, NIJFC, Bihar, United Sikkim, Mecon, I/5 Gorkha Rifles, Silli Sports, Central Reserve Police Force, Gurts, Tata Football Academy, Sports Authority of India (SAI), Mohan Bagan, 6 AFC of Odisha, and Sub Urban Club of West Bengal are participating in the tournament.
In the first match held on Tuesday, Mohan Bagan defeated SAI Ranchi in a tiebreaker. Renowned soccer player Baichung Bhutia is likely to visit the State Capital on March 20 to cheer his United Sikkim team. Baichung’s team will be playing against Mecon. Sources maintained he is willing to invite actor John Abraham for the final match onMarch 27.
An exhibition match between girl’s football teams of West Bengal and Jharkhand is also scheduled on March 27. The tournament may witness eight foreign players representing the Churchill Brothers on March 21. 1/5 Gorkha Rifles will be playing against Churchill Brothers.