2nd Compassion Nationals Championship at Chicalim

Madhya Pradesh, the debutants at the 2nd Compassion Nationals Football Championship, made themselves proud by winning the tournament with a 5-4 victory against last year's defending champions Karnataka, in the finals played at the Panchayat ground, Chicalim.

The 2nd Compassion Cup National Football Championship was organized by the John Paul II Foundation for Sports, Goa in association with the St. Francis Xavier Parish, Chicalim.

The various teams

Countdown to kickoff

It looked like Karnataka was easily going to gain victory when Malesh scored in the first half and gave them the lead. However, in the second session of play, Madhya Pradesh gave a good account of themselves and put up some excellent performance throughout. It was only in the dying moments of the game that Madhya Pradesh found the nets through Anurag to equalize and set up the match into a thrilling tiebreaker.

In the tie-breaker, Madhya Pradesh scored through Ashish, Vinson, Sujal, Monti and Sahil while Dharan, Mithil, Rahul, Mallesh netted for Karnataka (5-4).

Players in action

Bicky from Odisha was adjudged the Best striker, Sultan from Karnataka was declared Best Goalkeeper, the Best player was Ashish from Madhya Pradesh and Nandagopan from Kerala was awarded the upcoming player of the tournament.

The trophies were distributed by Mr.M M Muttawali and Mr. Peter Vales, both former State football coaches. Rev. Dr. Bolmax Pereira, Parish Priest of St.Francis Xavier’s Church Chicalim welcomed the gathering for the finals and Mr. Francisco Nunes, the Moderator of the St. Francis Xavier Parish Pastoral Council proposed a Vote of thanks.

The finalists

The two-day tournament drew an unprecedented large number of spectators, who came to witness the underprivileged and marginalised youth from various parts of India, showcase their football talent.

Day out at the Naval museum