Rising Stars win Grand KIFF Veterans Trophy – Indian Strikers finish runners up

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KUWAIT CITY, March 9: YRC Rising Stars ‘B’ beat Indian Strikers ‘B’ in an exciting final of the ‘Veterans Trophy 7-aside Football Tournament’ organized by the Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) played at Bayan Grounds on Friday.

The exciting annual veterans tournament organized for non-registered Indian players above 35 years of age featured 18 teams that included Santos United, YRC Rising Stars A & B, AVC sports & Cultural Association, Kerala Challengers, Skynet Miracles, Kuwait Goan Association, Indian Strikers A & B, Curtorcares, United Goans Centre, Don Bosco Oratory, KGA-Nagoa Verna, FC Sparks, DHL FC, Goa Maroons, Navelim YC and Soccer Kerala.

Rising Stars, who have won this unique tournament more than any other team, scored off a corner kick in the second half. Vengalin Jayakumar, former India international and Titanium Kerala player, headed past Indian Strikers dependable war-horse Robert Bernard marking the goal-post.

Striker Elampi, and Vengalin Jayakumar playing in the centre-back position, were outstanding for Rising Stars. Jayakumar was later adjudged Best Defender and Man of the Match for his excellent performance.

The atmosphere and interest created by this tournament was one of the best seen this season. A number of star icons of yesteryears were seen in action displaying great footballing skills. Spectators and players alike felt that this tournament should be held atleast twice a season.

Tony Dias, President of Santos FC, one of the pioneers in establishing this tournament, was the chief guest at the finals. In his speech he applauded the finalists and all teams for their sporting spirit and undying hunger to be on the playing field.

During the presentation ceremony, Vice-President of KIFF Xavier Furtado thanked the participating teams, sponsors, referees and KIFF Committee to help organize the tournament on a grand scale.

Glittering Trophies were presented to the Winners and Runners-up apart from individual trophies.

Prizes were distributed at the hands of Tony Dias, KIFF President Derick Gomindes, Xavier Furtado, Tony Gonsalves, Lawrence Pinto, Fr Franco Pereira, Razzak, Albert Pinto, Stanley Nunes, Cajetan Pereira and Fidelis Fernandes.

Following prizes were awarded:

Best Goalkeeper — Jacob (Indian Strikers)

Best Defender — Vengalin Jayakumar (Rising Stars)

Best Midfielder — Dunstan (Indian Strikers)

Best Striker of the Tournament — Elampi (Rising Stars)

Man of the Match — Vengalin Jayakumar (Rising Stars)

Gasper Crasto compered the day’s proceedings; DJ Cheslee D’Souza brought a festive color with some music fillers.

The tournament was officiated by Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) referees.

The tournament was supported by Tony Dias, Cajetan Pereira, Nicholas Rodrigues, Cajie Fernandes, Anthony Fernandes, Brigidio, Tony Alphonso, Raymond D’Sa, Amaldo Fernandes, Glen D’Souza, Bosco Leitao, Carmo Santos, Agnelo D’Cunha, Norman Noronha, Fidelis Fernandes, Christopher Fernandes, Joe Pereira, Xavier Furtado, Albert Pinto, Aster Rodrigues, Praveen Kumar, A well-wisher, B.M. Viegas, V.K. Vohra and Derick Gomindes.

Champions Rising Stars comprised of: Niaz Ummer, Vengalin Jayakumar, Shafi Thacharathodika, Rasik Thodukayil, Thomas Chakkati, Elampi Navas, Jaiju Varghese, Mario Fenandes, Breeto Xavier, Jiju Anthony, Ouseph Sanjoris, Steven Sequiera.

Team Manager: Marshall; President: Lawry Pinto

Runners-up Indian Strikers: Jacob, Dunstan, Robert Bernard, Basheer, Rajesh, Noufal, Vineeth, Kunjumon, Prakash and Haneef.

Team Manager: Anthony; President: Robert Bernard

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