SRINAGAR, JULY 01: The knockout stage of the Kashmir Champions Football League (KCFL) 2026, organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, got underway in thrilling fashion today as Baramulla Strikers defeated Anantnag Heroes 4-2 in the Eliminator to book their place in Qualifier 2.
Baramulla Strikers produced an impressive all-round performance, displaying attacking flair and resilience to overcome a determined Anantnag Heroes side in a high-intensity encounter. With the victory, Baramulla Strikers kept their title aspirations alive and advanced to the next stage of the competition.
Midfielder Moosa Qureshi, was adjudged the Man of the Match for his commanding performance in midfield. His creativity, composure and leadership played a pivotal role in Baramulla Strikers’ victory, earning him the top individual honour of the match.
The growing response from fans continues to underline the success of the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council’s initiative to promote football and provide a competitive platform for emerging talent.
Adding further significance to the occasion, the match was graced by distinguished personalities from Indian football. During the half-time break, Anuj Gupta, Co-founder and President of Sudeva Delhi FC, and Steve Harbour, Technical Mentor at Sudeva Delhi FC, shared valuable insights on grassroots football development, talent identification and creating sustainable pathways for young footballers. Their interaction reflected the shared vision of the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council and KCFL in strengthening grassroots football and building a robust ecosystem for aspiring players in Jammu & Kashmir.
The event was also attended by Arjuna Awardee Krupali Patel Singh, whose presence further inspired the participating players and young football enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of sporting excellence and dedication.
With the tournament entering its decisive phase, the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council reaffirms its commitment to nurturing football talent and organise quality competitions that encourage youth participation and elevate the standard of the sport across the Union Territory.
