By Rajender Sajwan
Breaking away from the usual format while preserving the beauty of football, a unique one-day football tournament for players aged 50 and above was organised today at the Central Secretariat Ground, Vinay Marg, New Delhi. Green Valley Club emerged as the champions of the Uttranchal Cup, earning widespread applause.
Sponsored by the Mata Parvati Devi Charitable Trust, the seven-a-side tournament featured eight teams from Delhi-NCR. The efforts of Mahavir Singh Rana, founder of the Mata Parvati Devi Charitable Trust, along with Vikram Rana and Ashutosh Rawat, played a commendable role in making the event a success.
Although Green Valley lifted the inaugural Uttranchal Cup, almost every match was closely contested and highly entertaining. The reason was simple: most of the participating players had been outstanding performers in their playing days. Former stars who once represented some of the capital’s leading clubs displayed remarkable skill, stamina and footballing intelligence, leaving spectators pleasantly surprised.
The event became even more special with the reunion of veteran footballers who had returned to the stands after many years. Stars who had made their mark during the 1970s and 1980s while representing prominent Delhi clubs such as Shimla Youngs, Garhwal Heroes, Young Men, Moon Light, New Delhi Heroes, Youngsters and City, besides various departmental teams, warmly appreciated the initiative.
Among the distinguished personalities present were Guman Singh Rawat, Bhim Singh Bhandari, Jeeva Nand, Vijay Ram Dhyani, Harendra Negi, Kamal Jadli, Ravinder Rawat (Guddu), Virendra Malkoti, Rama Subramaniam, Michael Raj, Shiva, Y. S. Aswal, Denzil and Deshraj.
Well-known coach P. S. Puri conducted the matches efficiently. Shailendra Negi, Vice-President of Garhwal Bhawan; Pawan Maithani, General Secretary; advisers Brij Mohan Upreti and Mayur Public School’s Manwar Rawat were also present at the prize distribution ceremony.
Green Valley Triumphs in the Tie-Breaker
The final between Green Valley and Old Monk turned out to be a thrilling encounter. With neither side managing to score during regulation time, the match ended in a goalless draw. Green Valley eventually held its nerve to win the tie-breaker 3–2 and claim the title.
In the semi-finals, Old Monk defeated Second Innings, while eventual champions Green Valley overcame Noida Veterans to secure their place in the final.
