PRE-QUALIFIERS KICK OFF
SARE Homes HT GIFA gets players in high spirits to compete for the final spot in the football tournament
Enthusiastic parents, crowds cheering for teams, and overzealous players sweating it out — this was the scene at the pre-qualifier matches of the biggest inter-locality football tournament in Delhi-NCR — SARE Homes HT GIFA.
During the last weekend, on August 12 and 13, around 200 teams competed and managed to secure a spot in the final leg of the tournament. One of the final teams, the Dream Team FC, after an intense neck-andneck match, managed to win against APSSV Warriors with a score of 2-3 during penalty shoot out. Varun Vashist, the team’s captain said, “It was the first match of our newlyformed team. This was our chance to showcase our football skills and I’m glad that we qualified. I’ve decided to work on team formations and want players to get familiar with each other’s playing techniques. It’s important in a game.”
The tournament, held at Ansal University, Gurgaon and CWG Sports Complex, Akshardham, saw parents of players happy to see their kids take a break from phones and engage in sports. “I’m glad to see my kid be a part of this tournament. Irrespective of whether he wins or not, his interest in football makes me proud,” said Deepanshu Singh, father of a participant.
Before each match, teams underwent training with coaches from India on Track (IOT) — LaLiga’s Official Agency for India. One of the IOT coaches, Matteo Piliero said, “We insist on stretching exercises that minimises risk of injuries. Some techniques of the game, such as passing the ball and handling it are also explained to participants.”