Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar, Aug 29: The 2nd Edition of the CRPF Football Cup 2025 began today at the Synthetic Turf TRC Srinagar with much enthusiasm, bringing together young footballers from across the Valley. The tournament was inaugurated by IG Srinagar Sector, Shri Pawan Kumar Sharma, in the presence of senior CRPF officials and Secretary J&K Sports Council, Ms. Nuzhut Gul.
This year’s edition coincides with National Sports Day, commemorating hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Addressing the gathering, IG Sharma said the tournament aims to provide a platform for U-23 footballers of Kashmir to showcase their skills and aspire for state and national recognition. He also announced that the prize money has been doubled compared to the first edition.
A total of 16 teams—8 from Srinagar, 4 from Budgam, and 4 from Ganderbal—will battle in knockout rounds over a week, with the finals scheduled for September 4. The inaugural clash saw Hamdania FC edge past Star Academy Budgam 4-3, with Suhail (2), Manan (1), and Mehran (1) scoring for Hamdania, while Arif Mehraj netted all three goals for Star Academy.
The tournament, held under CRPF’s Civic Action Programme in collaboration with the J&K Sports Council, is part of the “My Youth My Pride” initiative, highlighting youth empowerment through sports.
Cash awards of ₹2,000 for knockout games, ₹3,000 for semifinals, and ₹5,000 for the final are on offer for the Player of the Match. Live updates are being streamed via the Srinagar Sector Instagram handle.
