Little Andaman’s under-17 boys wrote their script at Netaji Stadium by beating Car Nicobar 2-0 and lifting the seventh State-level football trophy, a result that now catapults the island outfit to the national Subroto Cup in August–September.
The championship clash opened ceremonially when Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar handed the match ball to the referee, but the sense of occasion never overawed the finalists. Little Andaman struck once in each half, defended with authority, and closed out a campaign in which they were rarely troubled.
The runners-up leave with the consolation of having stretched the favourites, and the appreciation of neutral supporters for the flair they showed all week. Nancowrie secured third place earlier in the day after edging Rangat at JNRM Ground. Tournament awards went to George Alwyn of GMSSS Hut Bay for best goalkeeper and to Aryan Kumar Kullu of GSSS Oralkatcha for most goals, accolades that underscored the depth of talent on display.
Organisers now shift focus to logistical preparations for New Delhi, where Little Andaman will carry the Union Territory’s hopes against heavyweight school teams from the mainland.
