Yagnapurush Cup National Yuvak Mandal 5-a-Side Football Tournament, London, UK

One of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events of the year for yuvaks arrived on Saturday 16 June 2012. The sixth Yagnapurush Cup provided a fun event for everyone. This year, the tournament returned to Alperton Goals in London. Twenty teams participated in the tournament, which was inaugurated with the traditional deep pragatya in the presence of sadhus from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.

The tournament began with tremendous enthusiasm, competitiveness and some shock results, but above all, there was plenty of fun, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout. With a high quality of football on display for all to enjoy, the support for the teams was equally good. The top two teams in each group qualified for the main Yagnapurush Cup, while the third- and fourth-placed teams entered the Pragji Cup. Last year’s holders, Harrow & Brent A, were determined to defend their title and reached their second consecutive final where they faced a rejuvenated South London A who were equally focussed to make up for their disappointment from the previous year.

The semi-finals produced some tense moments with penalty a shootout between Harrow & Brent A and North London A. For the second successive match, Hem – the Harrow & Brent A keeper – made a brilliant save just as he did in the quarter-final against Southend-on-Sea. This took his team to the final of the Yagnapurush Cup while the South Londoners defeated the tournament’s surprise team, Monday Night Football. The two finals were played out with Leicester taking on East London for the Pragji Cup, and Harrow & Brent A facing South London A for the Yagnapurush Cup.

After a tense and thrilling final, Leicester emerged as winners of the Pragji Cup. The final of the Yagnapurush Cup was also a nervy and an equally thrilling contest. Harrow & Brent A took the early lead, but both teams were equal to each other with their passing and defending abilities as well as in attack. The second half began with both teams knowing the next goal would be crucial, so when South London A scored from the penalty spot, it was game on again.

The match entered extra time with both teams giving nothing away. With the prospect of penalties looming, South London A seized the initiative when a misplaced pass was pounced upon by Darpan, who scored with a clinical finish. Harrow & Brent A tried to get back into the match and force a penalty shootout, but were met with some resolute defending and an outstanding Chetan Vyas in goal for South London A. The final whistle was blown and South London A were crowned winners of the 2012 Yagnapurush Cup.

The successful tournament concluded with the closing ceremony, held collectively in the presence of Harikrishna Maharaj and sadhus.

RESULTS