By Rajender Sajwan
The activities of the Delhi Soccer Association (DSA) have come to a standstill amid internal conflicts and factionalism. Meanwhile, veteran footballers have taken the initiative to revive the game. Players who once formed the backbone of Delhi and Indian football have decided to organise the Uttaranchal Cup football tournament once again.
According to Organising Secretary Mahavir Singh Rana, the tournament is being sponsored by Mata Gayatri Devi Trust. The one-day, seven-a-side tournament for veteran players aged above 50 will be held on Tuesday, October 20, at the Central Secretariat Ground on Vinay Marg, New Delhi. Eight teams featuring stars of yesteryears have confirmed their participation.
According to the organisers, players associated with well-known Delhi clubs such as Garhwal Heroes, Shimla Youngs, Youngmen, National, Moonlight, Youngster, Delhi Cantt and City, along with departmental teams including Audit, Food Corporation, Customs, DDA, DTC, Army and Police, will be seen in action.
For further information, teams may contact former national players Michael Raj and Rama Subramaniam at 8860344566 and 9818514708, respectively. Matches will begin at 10 am.
The organising committee has specially invited several stars of yesteryears, including Guman Singh Rawat, Bhim Bhandari, Avtar Singh Rawat, Harendra Negi, R.S. Rawat (Guddu), Kamal Jadli, D.S. Rawat (Dhanna), Rama Subramaniam, Jeevan Anand, P.S. Puri, Virendra Malkoti, Denzil, Shiva, Chandan Rawat, Rajender Sajwan and others.
Many of the invited players earned recognition at the state, national and club levels. Names such as Guman Singh Rawat, Bhim Bhandari, Avtar Singh Rawat, Guddu and Kamal were particularly prominent in their time. Harendra Negi captained Delhi University, while Jeevan Anand excelled in both football and hockey.
The organising committee has also decided to honour around 30 prominent personalities from Uttarakhand in January. The proposed list includes distinguished footballers, hockey players, cricketers, tennis players, martial artists and mountaineers.
