GVEI hosts RFYS U-19 girl's football championship

Srinagar, July 7: The Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) football championship hosted by Green Valley Educational Institute (GVEI) for under-19 girls, concluded on Saturday.

Around eight teams participated in the championship and 17 matches were played on a league basis in the tournament.

The final match was played on Saturday at GVEI in which SRM Welkin School Sopore lifted the title of the RFYS championship by defeating Delhi Public School (DPS) Srinagar by 3-1.

During the match, SRM Welkin showcased a dominant performance with midfielder Hashia bagging a brace, netting in the 30th and 47th minutes. The team took the early lead after Fazeelat Maqsood scored a goal in the 10th minute.

Despite an early goal from DPS Srinagar’s Sara Masoodi in the fourth minute, SRM Welkin maintained their composure and secured the victory.

The RFYS championship commenced on June 24 and culminated on July 6 of 2024. GVEI team reached to the semi finals but lost its match against DPS Srinagar.

Meanwhile, SRM Welkin advanced to the final after defeating Islamic Public Higher Secondary School in the semi-final.

“Winning the first-ever RFYS Kashmir Leg in the women's category was an exhilarating and proud moment for me. It felt incredible to be part of this championship and to represent my team and region with such a significant victory," said coach of SRM Welkin team, Bilal Maqbool.

He said the competition was fierce, and the journey was challenging, but standing on that podium made all the hard work and dedication worthwhile.

"It was not just a personal triumph but a testament to the growing recognition and support for women's sports in Kashmir,” he said.

Former Indian defender Mehrajuddin Wadoo was also present at the occasion.

“The Reliance Foundation Youth Sports has conducted a very professional tournament in Srinagar. The infrastructure and facilities were absolutely top-notch. It helped the talented female footballers from our region to scale greater heights," he said.

During the occasion, GVEI school felicitated Preeti Pariat Mehta, the tournament Director RFYS competition and Rahul Sharma, the football development, RFYS.

Chairman GVEI Muhammad Yousuf Wani said the school management is always at the forefront to provide a better platform to the students to excel in the sports of their interest.

"We are thankful to reliance foundation for organising the football championship. The championship provided an opportunity to the girls to exhibit their talent," Wani said.