Bareilly: The second edition of the Shri Ram Murti Memorial Inter-School Football Tournament commenced with great enthusiasm at SRMS College of Engineering and Technology. The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent sports and institutional figures, who extended their best wishes to participating teams.
Among the chief guests were Amarjeet Singh Bakhshi, President of the Bareilly District Football Association, Secretary Moon Robinson, international football player and coach Naseem Akhtar, and Aditya Murti. They congratulated the players and encouraged them to perform with dedication and sportsmanship.
In the opening match, DPS secured an impressive victory over Air Force School, winning 3–1 in a penalty shootout. In another match, Krishna Public School defeated Jingle Bells School 1–0. Sobti Public School was declared winner via walkover after Jaipuria School failed to appear for their scheduled match.
Addressing the gathering, Amarjeet Singh Bakhshi emphasized the importance of football as a sport that not only enhances physical fitness but also fosters teamwork and leadership skills. Coach Naseem Akhtar motivated the players to excel through hard work and commitment. Aditya Murti highlighted the institution’s continuous efforts toward academic and sports excellence, stating that the tournament offers a valuable platform for young athletes.
The Principal of the institution, Dr. Prabhakar Gupta, shared details about the tournament, noting that the first season was successfully organized in 2025. The tournament, recognized by the football association, follows a knockout format and will feature a total of 14 matches including the final.
A total of 15 teams have been divided into two groups, A and B. The quarterfinals are scheduled for April 23, followed by semifinals on April 24, while the final match will be held on April 25 at 9:00 AM.
Organizing Secretary Dr. Pushpendra Yadav encouraged all participants for the smooth conduct of the event. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ashutosh Pandey.
Also present on the occasion were volleyball coach Dr. Nitin Saxena and Sports Officer Shankar Pal Singh Gangwar. The inaugural ceremony was effectively conducted by Dr. Ashish Kumar.
The tournament is expected to witness competitive matches and provide a strong platform for budding football talent in the region.
