Coimbatore gets their first champions!

In it’s first year of participation in RFYS Football tournament, the institutes of Coimbatore didn’t shy away.

In it’s first year of participation in RFYS Football tournament, the institutes of Coimbatore didn’t shy away. The hidden footballing talent of the youngsters showcased the incredible talent they possess with every passing match. More than 50 institutes participated this year and after truly testing fixtures and nervous knockout rounds, Coimbatore hosted the finals across categories at Yuva Bharati Public School’s ground.

The day started with the Senior Boys final between Sri Raghavendra Vidyalaya and Khajamian Hr Sec School. The latter didn’t have an ideal start as they conceded in the 5th minute itself by their own mistake. The own goal to concede at the start didn’t demotivate Khajamian HS School, but Sri Raghavendra Vidyalaya managed to protect their lead by HT. Khajamian HS School had a chance to level the game, but the chance went begging as they missed the penalty. Sri Raghavendra Vidyalaya cushioned their lead with another goal at 64th minute to go 2-0 up. It was a hard-fought contest, but with a bit of luck and a lot of efforts, Sri Raghavendra Vidyalaya became the Senior Boys Champions of Coimbatore.

Even though the Senior Boys lost a close contest, the Junior Boys of Khajamian Secondary School didn’t disappoint. The game started with their opponents, Sri Gopalnaidu HSS opening their account in the 40th second. However, Khajamian Sec School answered back quickly with an equalizer at 14th minute with a superb strike from the edge of the box. Sri Gopalnaidu HSS again took the lead at 20th minute. Sri Gopalnaidu HSS again had an uphill task, and this time too, they made a comeback. Seven minutes later, they equalized for the second time in the game to head into the break with the score reading 2-2. Sri Gopalnaidu HSS’ players were highly motivated in the second half as well. This time, they didn’t let their opponents draw level. Instead, they took the lead at 55th minute and won the Junior Boys Championship after winning a topsy-turvy encounter.

Early strikes in the game had become a norm of the day. In School Girls category, Govt. Girls HSS scored two goals in the first six minutes of the game. The game was totally in their control and their opponents, Govt. Model HSS, Erode, had no answers to their incessant attacks. By HT, Govt. Girls HSS were leading 3-0. Things didn’t change much in the second half as the leaders continued to lead. Two more goals in the second half and Govt. Girls HSS comprehensively won the City Championship in the School Girls category.

Coimbatore’s College Boys were the last ones to play and it was probably one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far. Karunya Institute of Technology & Science were facing the challenge of PSG College of Arts & Science. The attacks were end-to-end from both the sides but neither of them could find the back of the net in the first half hour of the match. Karunya Institute broke the deadlock at 34th minute with a brilliant strike. The teams went into dugout with the same score, but the game was far from over as PSG College were frequent in knocking opponent’s door. In the second half, Karunya Institute came even stronger and increased their lead at 62th minute, with their striker Atherson took advantage of Goalkeeper’s mistake and slotted one in. Within 2 minutes, PSG College replied with a goal and the game was on again. Karunya College did sense a comeback here, but they didn’t let their inspiration survive as they scored another one to make it 3-1. PSG College were in no mood to let this go. 83rd minute strike brought them back into the game, score said 3-2. However, 5 minutes later, Karunya Institute’s hero, Allwin, took a shot from 30 yards and the keeper couldn’t touch it. Karunya Institute of Technology and Science won the College Boys Championship by 4-2.

With such exciting and highly motivated football, they surely didn’t seem like debutants. Amidst the big names, Coimbatore’s Institutes will surely pose a serious challenge in the National Qualifiers. Performances like these have ensured that the quality of football continues to increase by leaps and bounds.

Coimbatore gets their first champions!