CM, film actors kick-start USL tourney

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 10

The Uttarakhand Super League (USL) Football Tournament kick-started with a grand cultural event at Pavilion Ground here on Saturday.

Chief Minister Harish Rawat; Sports Minister Dinesh Aggarwal; footballer Baichung Bhutia; and Bollywood actors Jitendra and Rajpal Yadav inaugurated the event.

The event started with ‘Ganesh Vandana’, which was followed by introduction of all the teams taking part in the league. A musical performance was given by folk singer Narendra Singh Negi, followed by dance performances of Garhwali and Kumaoni folk artistes. Later, a power packed live performance was given by Delhi-based musical band ‘Eka’.

Chief Minister Harish Rawat said “I am very excited to witness the first edition of the USL. The passion for football here is a joy to behold and I have no doubt our state will host a memorable event.”

Baichung Bhutia, USL Brand Ambassador, said “It is an honor to be part of such a sporting event. The league will be very inspiring for football players and a very good step to promote football in Uttarakhand. I wish all the teams and players a very good luck.”

Virendra Rawat, chairman of the USL Football Tournament, said “The ultimate aim of USL is to promote opportunity, energy and enthusiasm in football”. He also emphasised on using the platform to create awareness towards ‘drugs-free sports’ among the youth of the state and country. As many as 14 teams from throughout the state are participating in the league and a total of 58 matches will be played, Virendra Rawat added.

Devendra Singh Butola, Sachin Upadhayay, Shankar Sagar, Narendra Karki, Praveen Purohit and VS Rawat also attended the opening ceremony of the football league.