Army XI beat Nepal team to lift Kalinga Cup

Army XI, New Delhi won the Kalinga Cup All-India Football Tournament, pipping Three Star Club, Kathmandu (Nepal) 10-9, via sudden death in the thrilling final at the floodlit Barabati Stadium, Cuttack tonight.

Play in the regulation time ended in 1-1 draw. Stalemate continued further as both the sides converted five penalty kicks each in the tie-breaker. Excitement reached its peak as both the sides successfully executed three more spot kicks each in the sudden death. Eventually, Army XI clinched victory when the Nepal side missed their fourth penalty kick.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik gave away the trophy in the presence of ST and SC Development Minister Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha, Mass Education Minister Pratap Jena, Sports Minister Praveen Chandra Bhanjadeo and Orissa Olympic Association secretary Asirbad Behera. The champions received a cash prize of Rs 2 lakhs, while the runners-up were given Rs 1 lakh.
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PHOTO: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik with the champion team Army XI at the closing function of the All-India Football Tournament in Cuttack on July 10, 2010.

 

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