16 teams to play in Bihar women football tourney

Patna, March 26, 2011: Sixteen district teams have confirmed their participation in the 7^th Bihar state women football championship to be held in Purnia from April 6, according to a Press release of the Bihar Football Association.

On the opening day, Patna will take on Siwan and Samastipur will meet hosts Purnia.

Patna 'Blue' edge past 'Red' in women's soccer

Patna, June 14, 2010: Patna ‘Blue’ edged past Patna ‘Red’ 1-0 in an exhibition women’s soccer match that was organized to celebrate FIFA slogan “One Goal: Education for All” at the the Moinul Haq Stadium here.

The first half saw a goalless draw as both teams were engaged in a mid-field duel. Ekta Sharma of Patna ‘Blue’ netted the match winner in the 32nd minute off a pass from Sweta Rawat.

Earlier, Art, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Renu Devi inaugurated the match. Election Commissioner, Bihar, Sudhir Kumar Rakesh was the special guest on the occasion.

The match was organised jointly by East & West Educational Society and Voluntary Forum for Education. Renu Devi also gave away the prizes. The organisers also felicitated former India football team captain and Arjuna Awardee C Prasad and former Bihar Santosh Trophy skipper Badri Prasad Yadav at the prize-distribution function.

Dr Daisy Narain, secretary, East & West Educational Society welcomed the guests. Mirtunjay Tiwari, president, RJD Sports Cell proposed a vote of thanks.

Bihar women soccer player Madhu Kumari gets Rs 1.25 lakh cash award

Patna, December 18, 2009: Local MP Shatrughan Sinha on Friday felicitated former India women soccer team vice-captain Madhu Kumari with a cheque of Rs 1.25 lakh on the occasion of Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay exhibition football match at the outer ground of the Moinul Haq Stadium here.

The cash award was given to Madhu for her continual exemplary performance in women soccer for Bihar as well as for India. The function was organized by BJP Krida Manch, Bihar.

Speaking on the occasion, Shtrughan Sinha said Bihar Government should make a special fund to provide economic support to Bihar players.
Bihar’s Art, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Renu Devi, who was the guest of honour at the function, said Bihar Government was ready to provide all possible help to budding players.

BJP Krida Manch state president Brajesh Kumar Raman presided over the function and its vice-president Shambhunath Pandey proposed a vote of thanks.

The function began with a exhibition soccer match between Patna and Muzaffarpur women teams. Patna beat Muzaffarpur via tie-breaker in a keenly contested match.

Photo captions:

Top: Patna MP Shatrughan Sinha (left) gives away a cheque of Rs 1.25 lakh to former India women football team vice-captain Madhu Kumari in Patna on December 18, 2009.

Middle: Patna MP Shatrughan Sinha and Bihar Sports Minister Renu Devi jointly inaugurate Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay exhibition football match.

Bottom: Patna and Muzaffarpur players in action during the match.

Photos: Aftab Alam Siddiqui