Udaipur/Ambikapur : The second edition of the PCB Football Tournament 2025, organised under the CSR initiative of RRVUNL, concluded on a grand note at the Salhi Sports Ground. The 11-day tournament witnessed the participation of 16 teams and 240 players, with the primary objective of promoting sportsmanship among rural youth and encouraging interest in football.
In the thrilling final match, the Salhi team defeated Mendra 3–2 in a closely contested encounter to lift the championship trophy. Balsai scored the decisive goal, sealing victory for Salhi. The winning team was awarded a cash prize of ₹61,000 along with the PCB Trophy, while the runners-up Mendra team received ₹41,000 in cash and the runner-up trophy.
Around 1,000 spectators gathered to witness the final, with enthusiastic participation from nearby villages including Ghatbarra, Parsa, Basen, Shivnagar, Janardanpur, Tara, and Fatehpur. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, girls from Salhi village presented a cultural dance performance during the closing ceremony. Players were also provided with sports kits and football gear.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Mukesh Kumar (Chief of Cluster, AEL, Surguja), Ramunia Kariyam (District Panchayat Member), Shravan Warkade (BDC), Ram Dwivedi (Cluster HR Head, AEL), and Amit Tiwari (Site Head, PCB). The guests lauded the initiative for fostering discipline, teamwork, and sporting skills among rural youth.
Organisers also announced plans to expand the tournament to the district and state levels in the coming years. Additionally, under the CSR programme, archery training has been initiated for local children to provide rural youth with opportunities to excel in diverse sports disciplines.
The programme concluded with a prize distribution ceremony followed by a vote of thanks.
