Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 21: The Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Football League-cum-Knockout Tournament kicked off at the Wimberlygunj Mini Stadium on Thursday amid a huge gathering of football enthusiasts, players and local residents on the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Shri Rajiv Gandhi.
The tournament has been organised by the Block Congress Committee, Wimberlygunj, under the leadership of Mr. A. Khais, Block President, with the aim of promoting sportsmanship, youth participation and community engagement.
Mr. Saji Varghese, Chairman, Minority Department-ANTCC, was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony. He encouraged the participating players and urged the youth to actively pursue sports while maintaining discipline, teamwork and a spirit of healthy competition.
Before the inaugural ceremony began, the dignitaries paid floral tribute to Shri Rajiv Gandhi by garlanding his portrait,
The inaugural ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Mrs. Zubaida Begum, State President, Mahila Congress; Mr. A.U.T. Ummer, Zilla Parishad Member; Mr. Mohd. Zubair, President, City Congress; Ms. Mariyam Bibi, Zilla Parishad Member; Mr. M.A Sajid, State President NSUI & State Vice President Youth Congress, Mr. Venkat Ram Babu, Pradhan, Wimberlygunj; Mrs. Rasheeda Bibi, Pradhan, Hope Town; Mr. Sanjay Meshack, senior Congress leader; Mr. Sadaqat, General Secretary, Minority Department; Mr. Bashir, Pradhan, Kanyapuram; Mr. Sunil Kumar, Pradhan, Ferrargunj; Mr. A.R. Kumar, Pradhan, Shoal Bay; Mr. Mahinder, former Senior Vice Chairman, PBMC; Mr. Yusuf, General Secretary, Youth Congress; Mr. A.P Naufal, Up-Pradhan, Mannaghat, Mr. Rafique, Social Worker, Mr. K.T Nambi, General Secretary Youth Congress, Mr. Peter, RGPRS Leader and several others.
The dignitaries witnessed the inaugural match and interacted with the players, extending their best wishes to all participating teams.
The tournament is expected to provide a vibrant platform for local football talent and bring together young players and sports lovers from across the region in the spirit of competition, camaraderie and respect.
