Pramukh Cup 2013, National 5-a-Side Football Tournament, London, UK

The 16th Pramukh Cup – the National UK Bal Mandal 5-a-side football tournament – was played at Alperton Goals Soccer Centre in Wembley on Saturday 6 July 2013.

A record number of 51 teams from 14 different locations convened in North London for a day filled with exhilarating football in warm summer weather. Apart from the London suburbs, some teams had travelled from around the country, including Birmingham, Leicester, Loughborough, Luton, Manchester, Preston, and Wellingborough.

The tournament opened with the traditional lighting of divas by sadhus. This was followed by some motivational words from Anandpriya Swami who encouraged team spirit and unity, and briefly explained the history of thetournament.

The group matches began thereafter with teams eager for victories. A total of 121 games were to be played with crowds assembled around each pitch offering support and encouragement for the players.

After the group stages, the nail-biting quarter-finals and semi-finals started with all teams ready to challenge for the title.

Then came the finals. The first was for the Ghanshyam Cup, being played by the youngest age group of 6- to 9-year-olds. A late goal from Finchley Bwas enough to defeat East London D1-0 in a tight contest.

The second final – the Nilkanth Cup, for the9-10 age group– was also evenly contested with both Leicester D and Brent&Harrow A desperate for the title. A total of seven goals were scored with Leicester D clinching the match 4-3.

The third final was the Sarjudas Cup for the 11-12 age group. This game was played between Manchester A and Brent &Harrow B. The game proved to be yet another close encounter which Brent & Harrow B won 2-0. 

The fourth final was the Sahajanand Cup for the 10-14 age group. Two strong teams, South London B and Finchley A, battled it out. Eventually, South London B buckled under the pressure and conceded four goals without reply. 

The fifth and last final was for the Pramukh Cup for the 13-14 age group, played between two of the day’s strongest teams, South London A and Brent &Harrow D. The game followed the pattern of the other finals – very even with Brent & Harrow D running out eventual winners at 4-3.

The medals and trophies followed, presented by Satyavrat Swami who also congratulated all the teams for participating. The day was certainly exciting and packed with fun. In fact, it was asuccessful and memorable event not only for the children, but also the managers and over 140 parents and volunteers who had come to help and cheer on the children.