NewzVille Sports Desk
The 69th National School Games-2025 for Football, organized by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports J&K under the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), concluded on Friday with a spectacular grand finale. The week-long tournament, which began on October 6, showcased exceptional skill and sportsmanship from U-19 athletes nationwide.
Kerala emerged as champions, defeating Meghalaya 2-0 in a thrilling final. Kerala reached the final by edging past Manipur 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw, with goals from M. Danish and Adwaith Leneesh. Manipur’s goals came from L. Leishba and Kh. David Singh. Meghalaya secured their final berth with a decisive 3-1 win over hosts J&K in the other semi-final.
In a high-stakes playoff, the J&K team delivered a spirited performance, defeating Manipur 4-3. Coach Ishfaq Ahmed, an international footballer, praised his players: “We may have missed the gold, but the spirit, pride, and passion of our boys shine brighter than ever. Every effort, every kick, every moment was pure dedication to Team J&K and YSS. Proud J&K.”
Director General of Youth Services and Sports J&K, Anuradha Gupta, lauded the organizing committees for the flawless execution of the event. She remarked, “The success of this tournament reflects our team’s dedication. I hope the same zeal is carried forward as we host upcoming national events in Wushu, Taekwondo, and Table Tennis.”
The Media and Publicity Committee played a key role, broadcasting all 58 matches live and providing continuous updates across the Department’s social media platforms. The 69th National School Games set a new benchmark for sporting events in J&K, celebrating youth talent, sportsmanship, and organizational excellence.
