Subroto Cup starts on a goalless note

National Cadet Corps, Maharashtra shared points with 10-man Krishnadevpur High School from West Bengal as the opening match of the U-14 category of the 55th Subroto Cup football tournament ended goalless at the Ambedkar Stadium here Tuesday.

The NCC team allowed the West Bengal side to share honours despite dominating the match. The Maharashtra team created several chances in the second half but stubborn defence by the Krishnadevpur boys helped them evade the dangers.

The West Bengal boys started off well and made several inroads into the rival citadel but they lacked penetration. With the teams spending some anxious moments in rival boxes the frustration was palpable and it resulted in Ranajoy Das bringing down NCC's central midfield Ansari Mohammad Kamran in the box.

The referee not only red-carded Das but also blew for the spot, giving NCC a good chance. NCC's Kamran's lethargic shot was ably stopped by substitute goalkeeper Ranajay Pal. Disappointed as the team was, the NCC boys' forlorn faces and drooping shoulders told the dismal story.

Yet, they had a few chances in the second half but custodian Pal was alert and took his team to safety shores

The tournament was inaugurated by Air Marshal H.B. Rajaram with former India captain Victor Amalraj as the guest of honour.

There will be 32 teams from across the country competing in the Under-14 boys' event, besides six foreign outfits.

The girl's under-17 event will witness 28 teams, including three from abroad, along with a YUWA Team from Jharkhand, vying for top honours.

As for the boy's under-17 event, there will be 34 teams along with five foreign outfits vying for the title.