A district level football tournament was organised for the second year covering all 8 blocks of the Jhargram district from 11 February to 26 February 2023. 4 teams from each block (2 of them women’s teams), Total-32 teams participated in this knock-out tournament. A total of 30 matches were held in 13 venues. The finals for Men and Women’s groups were held at the Jhargram stadium on 26 February 2023. Sri Pradip Datta, a retired footballer who represented India, Mohan Bagan & East Bengal and Sri Sunil Agarwala, DM, Jhargram gave away the winners and runners-up trophies, Best Player & Best Goalkeeper awards for both the groups.
Some salient points:
- This is the first time that a football tournament was organised for women in the district.
- Women’s matches were officiated by only women referees and they also officiated some men’s matches
- 78 former footballers of the Jhargram district were felicitated during the tournament.
- Football shoes and socks were given to 10 men and 10 women poor footballers.
- 7 persons (4 men & 3 women) who qualified to become National Referees from the district were also felicitated.
- All the 512 players from 32 teams were given certificates, medals and a Swamiji’s book. The zonal winners were given mementos. The clubs were given certificates and 2’ Swamiji’s photos.
- One set football jersey was given to the players of all the 4 teams that took part in the finals.
- 20-30 people who were involved in organising these matches at each of the 13 venues were felicitated and given Swamiji’s books.