The first of its kind Indoor Futsal World Cup organised by Youth Football International in association with LEH LEH Sports on the 24th of May at the Thyagaraj Stadium in Delhi concluded amidst huge cheer and excitement as all the participating teams went back with atleast a smile, having enjoyed the play thoroughly.

U11-Brazil

The tournament kicked off at 8 with teams in the U11 and the U13 categories battling hard to claim the crown and as it panned, Brazil defeated Germany in the U11 final by 3-1, while Japan lifted the U13 Cup, beating Germany in an exciting final which ended 4-3 in the favour of the Asian outfit.

The winners were rewarded with Cups and medals by none other than former India cricket star Ajay Jadeja along with César A. V. Bonamigo, Counsellor & Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi.

Ajay Jadeja_with sons, India-U13-Kutumb

Ajay Jadeja was soon seen in the ‘change the game’ moment as he decided to kick it around in a friendly game before he bid goodbye to the guests with a beautiful message about sports and its teachings. Ajay Jadeja was vocal of the fantastic initiative and claimed the venue to be a really good one for playing. He was also adamant on something similar to happen all around more frequently, especially given the heat.

He was congratulatory to the two bodies for organising it and wanted his son to be a part of a team as well next time around, given his love for football which will also see him fly with his son to Brazil to catch a few games at the World Cup.

The U15 and the open category then kicked off post lunch where the battle was even more intriguing. The German outfit finally managed to lift the Cup in the U15 category after disappointments in the U11 and U13 category, while Japan won the open category to help the Asian outfit with their 2nd triumph in the four categories.

U13- Japan

A team of slum and underprivileged kids- My Angels Academy were also seen participating in the U13 and the U15 category, where they went on to win the Plate competition while U11 Plate went to Ghana. The NGO Kutumb Foundation was also present to represent India in the U13 category and fared well.

Indian Women’s football player who has represented Tottenham Hotspurs’ Women’s Team was also seen at the tournament playing in the open category for Brazil, represented by the YFI coaches and staff not only brightening the scene with her skills, but inspiring the kids present in the tournament.

The tournament saw 30 teams participating over 12 hours of duration in what was a fun-filled environment. The parents and the kids were all praises for the tournament, which led the two parties organising it into an announcement of a similar tournament sometime in August, close to the Independence Day.

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