Ideal Indian school lift Asian Schools trophy in Qatar
Doha, Qatar: Ideal Indian School rallied from behind to down MES Indian School 2-1 to win the First Asian Schools football tournament organised by Friends Circle Qatar in association with Fahad International Events Management. At Wakra Stadium on Friday, MES took the lead very early into the match and where able to carry the cushion of the 1-0 lead into the second half. After the lemon break, Ideal Indian School came back with renewed ideas and a different game plan. The change in tactics helped Ideal to secure the equalizer through a spot kick conversion midway into the second half. Goaded by the success of an equalizer, Ideal pressed hard for the winner and succeeded in taking the lead. MES went all out in search for the equalizer in the dying minutes of the match, but Ideal held on to the lead till the end. Azeem of Ideal Indian School won the man-of-the-match award, while Bhavans School won the best disciplined team award in the seven-a-side tournament which was attended by a large turnout from different Asian communities. Earlier, in the semi-final MES defeated Bangladesh School 2-1, while Ideal edged past DMIS by an identical margin. Schools run by Indian, Pakistan, Sri Lankan and Bangladesh management group based in Qatar took part in the tournament which was played on a league-cum-knockout basis. The following schools took part in the one-day tournament: Pak Shama School, BMHM Bangladesh School, Sri Lankan School, MES Indian School, Ideal Indian School, DMIS School, Shanti Niketan School, Bhavan School, DPS School and Birla Public School. Organizer of the tournament William Fernandes said the tournament was a big success and it was for the first time such a tournament has been hosted here in Qatar exclusively for Asian schools. “The management, physical education teachers and the students of the schools taking part in the tournament were happy to take part in the tournament were they were pitted against some of their Asian counterparts. We hope to make it an annual event,” said William Fernandes. Another member of the organizing team Joao Dias said: “Students of Asian schools get limited opportunities to take part in interschool tournaments, so the Asian Interschool tournaments was yet another exposure for some of the budding talented Asian footballers based in Qatar. It also gave an opportunity for some of the players participating in the tournament to network and build new friendships. ”Fahad Al Dosari, Chairman of the Fahad group of companies was the Chief Guest, along with Muneera Al-Dosari, Special Guest, who gave away the trophies and prizes. Also present were Othman Blake, representative of Qatar Football Association, Vasu, President of Indian Cultural Centre and Jasamuddin Principal of BMHM Bangladesh School. Collin Fernandes, compeered the prize distribution ceremony while Anand Shirdokar, gave the vote of thanks. Coca Cola was the main sponsor, supported by Qatar Football Association, Sign Tech Neon, Eastern Exchange, Al Zaman Exchange and Fahad International Group.