A Football Tournament of Hope: Kicking off Poverty in Gondia
Posted by India - 06/08/2008
It was a glorious moment for the Yuva Slum Team; fireworks, and folk music played out as Yuva Slum team were crowned winners of the Dewaji Budhe Memorial 6th District level Slum Football Champions. After defeating Utkal Slum Stars in the Semi-Finals it was clear Yuva Team were up for a challenge. Yuva team maintained steady pressure on the Subodh Slum in the finals with their first goal scored in the 11th minute of the first half.
With one goal in its pocket Yuva team continued to play aggressively. All Subodh team could do was defend the onslaught of attack. Yuva Team scored their second goal in the 20th minute of the second Half. At the end of the Dewaji Budhe Memorial Championships Utkal Slum Stars were placed in third position and Ex Homeless World Cup player, Mr. Vinod Medhe’s team, Jenabai were placed fourth.
Awards such as golden goal and golden boot were awarded to the highest scorers. Mr. Nanasaheb Padole Member of Lok Sabha presented the awards and trophies and Prof. Barse spoke to the players about the development that can be brought about by participating in the tournament and other allied activities.
This year a whopping 30 slum teams participated in the tournament organised by DBM College of Physical Education and Arjun Sports association. Local organizing committee ran by Mr. Amit Budhe along with Mr. Bharat Mahore, Ex Minister, & Mr Anil Buddhe, Chairperson Gondia Municipal Corporation put in a great effort to help the tournament come together.
The football tournament was enjoyed by all; player’s spirits were high, as were the expectations for the Homeless World Cup team for India after seeing the level of competition at the tournament. GO TEAM INDIA!!!
