BHUBANESWAR 27-Oct-2011 266
Directorate of Sports emerged champions in the 9th Gatikrushna Panda Memorial Bhubaneswar Football League, beating Yazdani Club-73 by a solitary second-half goal in the final at Unit-I Boys’ High School ground here today. Surajit Behera scored the all-important goal through penalty kick in the 87th minute. The champion team received a cash prize of Rs 10,000.
Earlier in the semifinals, Yazdani Club-73 thrashed arch-rivals Kishore Club 2-0, while Directorate of Sports edged out Sangharsh Sporting by a solitary goal. Rupai Hansdah and Santosh Tudu scored the two goals for Club-73, while Surendra Soren struck the all-important goal for Directorate of Sports in the 81st minute.
Runners-up Yazdani Club-73 received Rs 5,000. Sports Minister Badri Narayan Patra gave away the trophy and cash prizes. Rupai Hansdah of Club-73 was adjudged as the best forward and top scorer of the League. Kedar Soni of Kishore Club and Jitendra Swain of Directorate of Sports were named as the best defender and best goalkeeper respectively. The League lasted for more than two months and feature a total of 55 matches.
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PHOTO: Players of Directorate of Sports lift the trophy after emerging champions in the Bhubaneswar Football League on October 27, 2011.
