Yahya Hallare
Daijiworld Media Network - Bhatkal

Bhatkal, Apr 25: As many as 18 teams from across the state are in Bhatkal, competiting in the BIFA Cup football tournament that kicked off on  Thursday April 23.

Bhatkal CPI Prashant S Nayak inaugrated the state-level football tournament BIFA Cup 2015. BIFA Kit 2015 was inaugrated by Hifzur Rahman Barmawar on the same occasion.

In his inaugural address Barmawar said that this was his first visit here. He congratulated BIFA on organizing the event and hoped it would organize national level tournaments in future.

Bhatkal JD(s) leader and former TMC president Inayatullah Shahbandari also congratulated BIFA on organizing the state level event. He said since the last 8 years BIFA has been working hard on promoting football. "Earlier, this the ground was in very bad condition, but BIFA has done a good job in upgrading it," he said.

General secretary of Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Moulana Irfan S M in his presidential address said that BIFA is doing a very good job in Bhatkal. "Every morning and evening football is played on the BIFA ground and this has done a lot of good for the youth," he said. He urged all the federation teams to play football in every sports center. "Football is better than cricket when it comes to keeping fit, and is also less time consuming," he pointed out.

CPI Prashant S Nayak, who was recently recognised for his meritorious services and achievements and awarded the chief minister's gold medal, was felicitated by the organizers.

The programme commenced with the recitation of the Quran by Rabi Ruknuddin. Suhail Sulthan welcomed the gathering and Zaid Damda delivered the vote of thanks. Mohammed Zayan Damda compered the programme.

Tanzeem executive member Irfan Mohtesham, social worker Nazeer Kasimiji, Saleem Merchant, Maawaiya Mohtisham, Aheed Mohtisham, Istihaque Rukuddin were at the event.

A total of five matches were played at the end of day 2

Scores:

1st match AITM Vs Al- Firdause - AITM won by 1-0
2nd match YMSA Vs Usmainiya - YMSA won by 3-2 in the Penalty Shot
3rd match BIFA C Vs Al- Hilaal- Al- Hilaal won by 4-3 in the penalty shot
4th match Kumta Vs BIFA B - BIFA B won by 1-0
5th match BIFA A Vs YMSA - BIFA A won by 2-1