The platform is set and HT GIFA is ready to roll out with renewed energy

NEW DELHI: For the third year running, the Hindustan Times Great Indian Football Action( HT GI FA ), is expected to make a big impact on school-going children in

NEW DELHI: For the third year running, the Hindustan Times Great Indian Football Action( HT GI FA ), is expected to make a big impact on school-going children in the Delhi NCR region. Battle plans are being drawn, along with football boots and socks being rolled up. Since a paucity of grounds and sports centres in the city has distanced people from physical activities, HT GIFA is the perfect platform to bring students back to the grounds.

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According to Ankita Dhawan, a parent, a majority of students lead a sedentary lifestyle, hardly indulging in sporting activities. Surprisingly, an event like HT GIFA will keep the participating teams on their toes.

Saini, who has a passion for sport, said HT GIFA was a good initiative for promoting sport at the grassroots. “It’s a big thing, many are coming forward to play and sweat it out on the field. This is the way to channelise youthful energy in a constructive way. Both football and HT GI FA are capturing the imagination of youngsters in the region.” Given the format of the tournament— a seven-a-side knockout— each team has to give its best to move into the next round. According to R is hi Kanwa late am manager of a team from Saket, quick thinking and coordination will be needed to score over others in this format. “It’s a good way to learn, which is not possible during the normal routine of a classroom. The opportunity to learn more about triumphs and tribulations only comes through toiling on the field,” she said.

The event is not just keeping competitors and their parents on edge, former sportspersons like Anup Kujur, too are keenly involved. According to Kujur, students will get a chance to learn leadership qualities. “HT GIFA will give the children an opportunity to open their mind and explore more.”

HT GIFA is Delhi NCR’s and in fact currently, the country’ s biggest neighbourhood football tournament for kids. HT GIFA is open to kids from class 5th-8th in the junior category and 9th-12th in the senior category. Started 3 years ago as an effort from Hindustan Times to bring the community together and encourage a healthy outdoor lifestyle, it was the first neighbourhood football tournament with the idea that kids and families should get outdoors and have a chance to connect with people in their area through sports.