A Football Tournament of Hope: Kicking off poverty In Gondia
Posted by Vijay Barse - 02/08/2008
It was a glorious moment for the Yuva Slum Team, there were fireworks, and there was folk music and lots of prizes. After defeating Utkal Slum Stars in the Semi-Finals it seemed like a cake walk for Yuva Team which maintained a steady pressure on the Subodh Slum in the finals.
The first goal was scored in the 11th minute of the first half. With one goal in its pocket Yuva team continued to play aggressively and all Subodh team could do was to defend the onslaught of attack. The second goal was scored in the 20th minute of Second Half.
The game ended amicably, both team players hugging each other and wishing success. And thus ended the Dewaji Budhe Memorial 6th District level Slum Football Championship. Utkal Slum Stars managed to get the thirds position. The team in the Fourth place was Jenabai Slum Team which had the Ex-homeless World Cup Player Mr. Vinod Medhe who was an attraction to the tournament. This year a whopping 30 slum teams participated in the tournament, this can be attributed to participation of their home boy Vinod Mendhe in the HWC 2007 at Denmark. The event was organized by DBM College of Physical Education and Arjun Sports Association. A big effort was put in local organizing committee which was headed by Mr. Amit Budhe along with Mr. Bharat Mahore (Ex-Minister) & Mr. Anil Buddhe, Chairperson Gondia Municipal Corporation.
The cash prizes were sponsored by Mr. Arjun Budhe. The awards were distributed at the hand of Mr. Nanasaheb Padole Member of Lok Sabha,. A cash of Rs 5001 ($ 120) was handed to the winning team along with the trophy. Second and third prize consisted of 3000 and 1000 Rs along with trophies respectively Awards such as golden goal and golden boot were also awarded the highest scorer. What was evident from the enthusiasm of players was the fact that they were not only enjoying football but also the camaraderie. There was a distinct expectation about the HWC participation for this year.
Prof. Barse spoke to the players about the development that can be brought about by participating in the tournament and the other allied activities. Mr. Masih once again spoke about AIDS.
All in all this was football tournament of hope, with players forgetting there addiction and worries and having a good time.
