Brushing aside the challenge from Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, in a thrilling finish, Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur, retained their crown by a margin of two goals in the final of the second edition of the All-Kerala Inter-collegiate Football Tournament, ‘Goal 2013’ organised by The New Indian Express here on Saturday.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy presented the trophy to the winners.
He congratulated TNIE on the initiative to revive the lost glory of football in the state.
“Though the state had a glorious past in football, cricket is showing a tendency to overtake the game.However, still there is place for football as the game is loved by a large section of people of the state, especially in the northern side. All the efforts to revive the game should be lauded,” he said.
Guest of honour KPCC chief Ramesh Chennithala presented the cash award of Rs 1 lakh to the winners.
Union Minister K V Thomas, Excise Minister K Babu, Hibi Eden, MLA, Mayor Tony Chammany and KFA president K M I Mather participated in the function presided over by TNIE Editorial Director Prabhu Chawla. Resident Editor (Kerala) Vinod Mathew Jacob welcomed the gathering.
‘Goal 2013’ heralded a vibrant football season in the state with the friendly between India and Palestine and Santhosh Trophy to be staged next week.