TRI-CITY RIVALRY AT HT GIFA
This year’s SARE Homes HT GIFA is witnessing tough competition between the teams of Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida
Gurgaon, Noida, and Delhi have always been in competition with each other, be it delicious food joints, swanky malls, or the most happening party spots. But when it comes to the sport of football, the rivalry between the cities has reached a new level, on the football fields at SARE Homes HT GIFA, the biggest neighbourhood tournament in Delhi-NCR.
Around 630 teams battled it out during the pre-qualifier matches and only 316 qualified for the league matches. “If you have a strong opposition you tend to perform better. The rivalry between the cities should be in the spirit of sport. It should foster good values and promote companionship and sportsmanship. I’m sure a Delhi team will take the trophy home,” says Mandeep Singh Sahani, team manager from Windsor FC, Indirapuram.
The intensity of rivalry between the teams from different localities promotes a spirit of competitiveness, feels Saatvik Basil, TSRS FC from Beverly Park - 2, Gurgaon. “It makes the matches more fun to play and watch. I don’t really root for a team from a specific locality to win, but believe that a team that performs well should win,” he says.
Jitesh Lakhwani, father of Rohan Lakhwani from TSRS Aces, who has been participating in HT GIFA for the past two years, says, “It is a healthy rivalry and only promotes more competition in the field, ensuring players go beyond their limits and improve their game.”