LAHORE, Aug. 1 (ABC): The Jada Azadi Cup, a four-day floodlit football tournament organised as part of Independence Day celebrations, got underway at Jada Schools’ Central Park Campus in Lahore, featuring 28 football clubs from across the city.
The tournament, described by the organisers as the largest floodlit football event hosted by Jada Schools, aims to provide young footballers with a competitive platform while promoting sports and healthy activities among youth.
In the opening match, Al-Nasr FC defeated Pluto FC 1-0. Pluto Whites FC and Ali Goraya Football Club played out a 2-2 draw before Ali Goraya FC secured a 3-2 victory in the penalty shootout.
Abdalian FC beat Paragon FC 3-1, while Eagle FC registered a convincing win over Al-Khidmat FC to advance to the next round.
Central Park FC edged past Fame Academy 1-0 to qualify for the pre-quarterfinals. Lahore Athletico defeated XX FC 3-1, while Nishtar FC overcame Inferno FC 2-0 in another first-round fixture.
According to the organisers, another eight matches are scheduled to be played on Saturday, while the tournament final will take place on August 2.
All matches are being played under floodlights at the football stadium of Jada Schools’ Central Park Campus. The winning team will receive a trophy and a cash prize of Rs50,000, while the runners-up will be awarded a trophy and Rs20,000.
The organisers said the tournament is intended to promote football, encourage healthy recreational activities among young people and celebrate the spirit of Pakistan’s Independence Day through sports.
