Jamshedpur FC

After their successful stint in the 15th All India Biju Pattnaik Memorial Football Tournament in Rourkela, the ever-ready colts from Tata Football Academy (TFA), traveled to Bhubhaneshwar to participate in the Tata Utkarlika Tournament. The boys displayed an extraordinary level of energy and sportsmanship throughout the tournament and managed to reach the Finals through a nail-biting 4 – 2 victory via penalties against Sports Hostel Cuttack.

The boys had to face Phulbani Football Club to become the Champions yesterday, and after an enticing 90 minutes, the colts from Tata Football Academy won a hard-fought battle 2 - 1 with Ravi scoring in the 72nd minute and Lalboilen Kilong getting in on the scoresheet in the 86th minute.

The newly appointed Head Coach of the Tata Football Academy, Carlos Santamarina was present to witness the tournament as he said, “I watched TFA's match today in Bhubaneswar. We played a very strong opponent. I think TFA has good players with very good technique and understanding of the game and I see great potential. And in the near future, I would like to see them in the senior team.”

The day did not just end with our boys winning the title, but they also had to witness more surprises to come in the form of individual accolades. Sudarshan Mahato bagged the Best Goal keeper, Sandip Mandi won Best Defender and last but not least, the savior, Lalboilen Kilong won Best Player accolades.