The action kicks off this weekend
HT GOAL Not just promoting grassroots football, HT GIFA is keen on development of sports among the youth of the country
NEWDELHI: After some nail-biting football action at the pre-qualifier matches and the grand Opening Ceremony celebrating sports and entertainment with Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, the action at the biggest neighbourhood football tournament SARE Homes HT GIFA is just beginning with our 346 final teams all set to prove their mettle at the league matches, starting September 30.
Not just about promoting grassroots football, Hindustan Times Great Indian Football Action is keen on development of sports among the youth of our country, while also sparking an inter-locality rivalry and pride for one’s own society or locality.
Support from parents, relatives, neighbours and friends to pursue their dreams, really helps the young budding football enthusiasts to improve their game and prove their mettle on the field.
HT GIFA aims to give a push to such promising talented players in football and help them gain supporters.
“I attended the grand opening ceremony of GIFA at Thyagaraj Stadium and realised the massive scale of the tournament HT has organised. I’m eager to witness the intense footballing action at the league matches. I believe it’s extremely important for kids to engage in physical activity. I’m so glad the sporting culture in India is witnessing a positive change. I would be so proud if tomorrow a kid from my neighbourhood becomes a big sportsperson. ” says Akshay Bhatia, a resident of Dwarka.
The teams are getting match ready, practising regularly and shedding blood, sweat and tears in their attempt to earn the winner’s title and fulfil their dream of lifting the HT GIFA trophy.
With the skills the teams picked up during their training sessions before the pre-qualifier matches with professional coaches, the teams seem pretty confident. Participants as well as supporters will get to witness four jam-packed days of football and fun. To make the matches more lively and engaging for supporters, there will be music, entertaining emcees and contests for children as well as adults.
The tournament will conclude with the final matches on October 8 followed by the closing ceremony. Catch all the action live at both our venues: Ansal University, Gurgaon where junior and senior category teams from Gurgaon will be playing and CWG Village Sports Complex in Delhi where teams from Delhi, Ghaziabad and Noida will battle it out on the field.
Gurgaon Venue: Ansal University, Golf Course Road, Sector 55, Gurgaon
Delhi Venue: CWG Village Sports Complex, Near Akshardham Temple, Patparganj, Delhi
Date: Sept 30, and October 1, 7 and 8 Timings: 7.30 am to 7 pm
I’m a sports enthusiast myself and love seeing kids play football in my society. I’ll be there at the matches to support my locality team. My team has been practising for GIFA even before registrations opened. We played very well in the prequalifiers and are determined to win the trophy in the tournament matches.