RFYS Kashmir Girls U-19 Final Tournament

Football Jul 06, 2024

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Srinagar, 06, July 2024: SRM Welkin beat Delhi Public School (DPS) Srinagar 3-1 at the Green Valley Educational Institute, Srinagar, in the girls U-19 final of the Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) on Saturday. SRM Welkin had come into this match on the back of a win against the Islamic Public Higher Secondary School in the semi-final, whereas DPS Srinagar had ousted Green Valley Educational Trust (GVEI) in the last-four clash. (RFYS Kashmir – U-19 school girls' football kickoff)

 Some players from here will go on to represent the Indian national team: Mehrajuddin Wadoo 
Midfielder Hashia bagged a brace by netting in the 30th and 47th minutes of the game, after Fazeelat Maqsood opened the scoring for the victorious team in the 10th minute. This is after DPS Srinagar had drawn an early advantage with Sara Masoodi, donning the No. 10 jersey for the runners-up, found the back of the net four minutes into the summit clash.
 
“Winning the first-ever RFYS Kashmir Leg in the women's category was an exhilarating and proud moment for me. It felt incredible to be part of history and to represent my team and region with such a significant victory. The competition was fierce, and the journey was challenging, but standing on that podium made all the hard work and dedication worthwhile. It was not just a personal triumph but a testament to the growing recognition and support for women's sports in Kashmir,” SRM Welkin coach Bilal Maqbool Khan said after the game.
 
Former India defender Mehrajuddin Wadoo hailed  RFYS for streamlining and professionalising women’s football in the Kashmir valley. He explained that football was almost a non-existent entity for the women of the region before this tournament. However, with the advent of RFYS in Jammu & Kashmir, budding boys and girls from there can dream of making a career in the sport.
 
“The Reliance Foundation Youth Sports has conducted a very professional tournament in Srinagar. The infrastructure and facilities were absolutely top-notch and it helped the talented female footballers from our region to scale greater heights. The girls here have a lot of natural talent. They are strong and skilful, and in sync with how the modern-day football is developing. I am sure some of the players from here will progress to play for the national team in the future,” Wadoo signed off.
 
Brief Scores
SRM Welkin 3 (Fazeelat Maqsood 10’, Hashia 30’ 47’) – 1 DPS Srinagar (Sara Masoodi 4’)