Grand Finale of District Football

Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/may 24 : The five-day district-level football tournament organized by the Subsidiary Training Centre (STC), BSF, Kharkan, as part of the Border Security Force’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, concluded today with a grand closing ceremony. Held from 19 to 23 May, the tournament featured Under-17 and Under-19 categories and saw participation from 24 teams and more than 432 young players representing schools and local clubs across Hoshiarpur district. Civilians, officials from the District Sports Office, coaches, team managers, retired BSF officers, family members and recruits from the STC attended the event.
Inspector General C. D. Aggarwal, STC BSF Kharkan, was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. In his address he lauded the efforts, discipline and dedication of the players, coaches and organizing committee. He said such events not only provide a platform for young talent but also strengthen community ties and national unity through sport. He also expressed appreciation for the valuable support provided by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the cooperation extended by the District Sports Authority, Hoshiarpur. As a gesture of encouragement and recognition of sportsmanship, football kits were distributed to all participating teams.
The tournament was conducted under the motto “SPORTS FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE NATION (SPANDAN LEAGUE)” as part of BSF’s Diamond Jubilee observances, commemorating the force’s service from 1965 to 2025. The event aimed to engage youth in positive activities, identify grassroots talent and strengthen civil–military relations through sports.
Results were as follows: In the Under-17 category, Miri Piri Football Academy emerged as champions and received a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 20,000. Football Academy Paldi finished runners-up and were awarded a trophy and Rs. 12,000, while Olympic Captain Naranjan Singh Dhillon Footballers secured third place and received Rs. 8,000. In the Under-19 category, Olympic Captain Naranjan Singh Dhillon Footballers were declared winners; Football Academy Mahilpur were runners-up and Football Academy Baddon finished third. Winners, runners-up and third-place teams in this category were also presented trophies and cash prizes on similar lines. The Best Player award in the Under-19 category went to Harman Singh (Olympic Captain Naranjan Singh Dhillon Footballers), while Sahbaz Khan (Miri Piri Football Academy) received the Best Player award in the Under-17 category.
The closing ceremony was followed by a colourful cultural programme presented by STC trainees, including traditional and contemporary dance, marching displays and other performances. The cultural segment was well received by the audience and dignitaries and added vibrancy to the event.
Organizers said that special attention was paid to participants’ health, discipline and sportsmanship throughout the competition. Match officials and technical staff ensured matches were conducted according to regulations. Organizers also stated their intention to use the tournament as a platform to strengthen local sports infrastructure, expand coaching support and scout talent for future competitions.
The successful conduct of the tournament sent a strong message of unity, discipline, peace and development through sports, while boosting enthusiasm among the youth and promoting healthy competition among local clubs and academies. BSF indicated that similar programmes would continue to be organised to further social cohesion and development through sport.