ROURKELA 12-Feb-2012 232
Sports Authority Of India (SAI) Training Centre, Cuttack emerged champions in the 8th All-India Biju Pattnaik Invitational Football Tournament, which concluded here at Ispat stadium today. SAI boys prevailed over IFA Academy, Kolkata 3-2 via tie-breaker in a keenly contested final, which produced no goal in the regulation time.
In the tie-breaker SAI custodian Ramesh Naik turned into a hero as he saved two spot kicks of IFA team. One of their attempts hit the bar. Only Shibu Das and Javed Ansari could beat Ramesh. For SAI team Sheikh Jahid, Chandra Behera and Laxman Murmu converted their spot kicks.
Ramesh Naik was adjudged the player of the match and Sanatan Lohar also of SAI was named the player of the tournament. Jashowant Jethua, DIG (WR), was the chief guest and TirupatiPanigrahi, Chairman of Hi-Tech Group, was the guest of honour on the occasion and they gave away the trophy the prizes.
A total 10 teams participated in the eight-day tournament, which was organised by Rourkela Sports Association.
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PHOTO: SAI boys celebrate after emerging champions in the All-India Biju Patnaik Football Tournament in Rourkela on Feb 12, 2012.
