J

Srinagar, May 18 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir will host the 62nd National Football tournament for Santosh Trophy from July 10 after 30 years, sports minister Babu Singh announced here today.

He said immediately after the opening ceremony there will be a exhibition match between two leading clubs of the country.

The trophy being held for the first time after 1978, will be played in three different grounds in Srinagar and Jammu, Mr Singh told reporters here today after receiving green signal from two observers of All India Football Federation (AIFF) Sabrata Dutta and Nasir Ali.

The two observers who were also present at the press conference inspected a number of play grounds in Srinagar and Jammu during their three day stay.

However, the observers have directed the Jammu and Kashmir football Association and other concerned to upgrade the facilities at different venues.

The observers have now selected Bakshi Stadium and Polo ground in Srinagar and Government Science College in Jammu for the matches to be played.

However, they have also selected TRC ground, Amar Singh College, S P College and Hockey ground in Srinagar and Parade ground in Jammu for practice.

The observers were satisfied with the preparations under way at the venues and confirmed the holding of National tournament, Mr Singh said.

In reply to a question he said 35 teams are expected to participate in the tournament.

Srinagar had hosted the 35th Santosh Trophy in 1978 when Goa lifted the trophy beating Bengal 2-0. The Bakshi Stadium had also hosted the Federation Cup in 1984.

UNI