INDIA U16 BEAT HONG KONG TO WIN JOCKEY YOUTH CUP

India U-16 were crowned champions of the Jockey Cup International Youth Invitational Football Tournament after defeating hosts Hong Kong 4-2 in the final on Sunday.

A brace from Bekey Oram in the first half and goals from Rohit Danu and Lalrokima in the second-half settled the issue for India. This was the India’s third consecutive victory in as many days. They had earlier defeated Chinese Taipei (4-0) and Singapore (3-1). The team, coached by Bibiano Fernandes, is presently unbeaten in 22 matches, including friendly matches against national youth teams and international club and academy sides.

The youth tournament was a part of a series of International exposure tours planned by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) along with the Sports Authority of India (SAI)to provide the best preparation for the squad in their quest to qualify to the next edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The tournament was an U-17 event where India fielded their U-16 national team. They have already qualified for the AFC U-16 Finals from where the top four teams will make it to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

“My heartiest congratulations to the boys and the coaching staff. I am excited by the performance of this team but now they have much sterner tests ahead,” AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said.

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