Punjab FC crowned Dream Sports Championship winners after 1-0 win over East Bengal

Mumbai, June 7, 2024: Punjab FC secured the Dream Sports Championship trophy with a 1-0 victory over East Bengal FC in the final at the Cooperage Football Ground in Mumbai on Friday. A solitary goal by Arshvir Singh was enough for Punjab FC, who are now the inaugural winners of the U17 club football tournament.

Both sides almost found the net on multiple occasions but lacked a finishing touch. The championship’s top goalscorer Debojit Roy saw his shot for EBFC saved by goalkeeper Vishwajeet Yadav in the 21st minute. He was denied once again in the 27th minute after failing to collect Gurnaj Singh Grewal’s lofted ball, ending a promising attack.

In the first minute of the first half injury time, midfielder Arshvir found the net courtesy of an excellent shot from outside the penalty box. It was a moment of brilliance for Punjab FC, with the shot beating East Bengal goalkeeper Deep Barman.

With a narrow lead, Punjab FC upped the ante in the second half. They pressed their opponents well and won the ball in key areas of the pitch. Vishal Yadav came the closest to doubling Punjab FC’s lead in the 59th minute when squared the ball into the box, but Singamayum Shami failed to tap the ball into the empty net.

Deep made two crucial saves in two minutes that kept EBFC in the game but his side could not build on their goalkeeper’s lifelines. Shami hit the side-netting while Vishwajeet did well to deny Debojit in the closing stages as Punjab FC went on to seal a much-deserved triumph.

“It is an overwhelming feeling for me personally to score in a final for the first time in my life. I am very proud of my boys, the team played very well. Getting the limelight in such major tournaments that are broadcast all over India, is very helpful for youth like me to gain experience. But winning it is a great feeling,” said the matchwinner Arshvir after the final.

The young footballers were graced by the presence of former India goalkeeper Subrata Paul, who spoke about the Dream Sports Championship as well as the final, “It was a good match. All the best to all these young stars for the future. I want to appreciate the initiative of the Dream Sports Foundation. We want as many matches as we can to develop our players. Game time is important for the young players because these players will go on to play for our country.”

Tournament Highlights
Meanwhile, the Dream Sports Championship aims at providing more competitive and professional tournaments for the lower age groups across many sports in India. In this U17 football championship, 261 goals were scored in the Regional Rounds and the National Finals. Including the youth sides of six ISL and three I-League teams, there were 37 participating teams. 123 unique goalscorers and 792 Registered Players with an average age of 15.85 took the field, with the eight finalists travelling to Mumbai (all expenses paid) for the National Finals.

The Dream Sports Championship will help the Dream Sports Foundation to strategically provide valuable competition opportunities for the youth of India. This initiative will also create a competitive environment where young athletes can test their skills, while scouts and coaches have the chance to evaluate their potential.

Player of the Tournament: Debojit Roy
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Vishwajeet Yadav
Top goalscorer of the Turnament: Debojit Roy
Man of the Match (Final): Pramveer Singh\

About Dream Sports Foundation
Dream Sports Foundation (DSF) is the philanthropic arm of Dream Sports, India’s leading sports technology company with brands such as Dream11, FanCode, Dream Capital and DreamSetGo in its portfolio. DSF’s vision is to make sports better via its athlete-centric programs. One of DSF’s key sports initiatives is ‘DreamGold’, a long-term elite athlete development program that is proud to support athletes like Sreeja Akula and Nethra Kumanan. To support young, promising athletes, DSF has also curated long-lasting and impactful partnerships with Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation, Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools and the Dilip Vengsarkar Foundation.

For more information, visit: https://www.dreamsports.group/dream-responsibly/dream-sports-championship

Also read: Thane Junior Girls clinch historic maiden WIFA Inter-District Championship Title

Also read: Sunil Chhetri felicitated by AIFF President after Kuwait game

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