Jalandhar CRPF lift football trophy after narrow win over Mohali club

The Jalandhar CRPF clinched the 24th Charanjit Singh Bassi Memorial Football Trophy after defeating Punjab Football Club, Mohali, (1-0) in a thrilling final played at Akal Stadium on Sunday.

The four-day annual tournament was organised by the Phagwara Football Academy, under the supervision of its president, BS Bagla.

The match witnessed intense action from the very first whistle. CRPF secured the decisive lead in the 25th minute of the first half. Despite repeated attempts and sustained pressure, the Mohali side failed to equalise, allowing CRPF to seal the championship.

Member of Parliament Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal and Aam Aadmi Party state spokesperson and Phagwara constituency in-charge Harnoor Singh Mann distributed prizes at the closing ceremony of the event.

The winning team received a trophy and a Rs 1-lakh cash prize, while the runners-up team from Mohali was awarded Rs 50,000 along with a trophy.

Awards for ‘Man of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Tournament’ were also presented to outstanding performers.

A special girls’ exhibition match featuring players from HMV College, Jalandhar, and veteran players of Phagwara Football Academy added fervour to the event.

This match was inaugurated by Councillor Veena Rani.

Dr Chabbewal lauded the academy’s initiatives to promote sports among youth, and highlighted the Punjab Government’s ongoing efforts under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to encourage sporting activities and athletes across the state.

Bagla and academy chairman Tarlochan Singh Manku said the academy would celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.

Former international wrestling coach PR Sondhi; international footballer Kashmira Singh; and Gurdev Singh Gill, an Arjuna Award recipient, were among the attendees of the programme.