Bandipora, October 13 ; Football fever is set to sweep Bandipora once again as the Maj Gopi Singh Rathour, SC Memorial North Kashmir Football Premier League being organised by Indian Army, approaches its grand finale at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium on October 13, 2025, at 2 PM.
The final match is expected to be a thrilling encounter as Hyderbeigh FC Yadipora takes on Meethu Football Club, capping off a month-long league that has captured the imagination of football enthusiasts across the north kashmir.
The league, inaugurated on September 20 across four venues, featured 32 teams competing in two phases. After intense battles in phase one, the top eight teams advanced to phase two, which began on October 8.
Over the next few days, the competition finally nears completion with two teams Hyderbeigh FC Yadipora and Meethu Football Club all set to clash for the champions’ title on Wednesday October 14th.
The grand Final match is expected to draw large crowds, given Bandipora’s deep-rooted love for football.
Senior Officers of Indian Army, Officers from Civil Administration, officers from BSF, JK Police, CRPF, CISF, prominent sports personalities, Civil Society members and youth representatives of the district will be be present to witness the thriling Match.
The tournament is held in the memory of Major Gopi Singh Rathour, Shaurya Chakra, a distinguished soldier from Dehradun who served in the 16 Garhwal Rifles and later in the 14 Rashtriya Rifles.
A soldier-scholar, Maj Rathour served as Aide-de-Camp to Presidents K.R. Narayanan and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and authored two Hindi books. He attained martyrdom on November 10, 2005, during an operation in Bandipora after neutralizing a terrorist in close combat.
Instituted by the Indian Army, the league honors Maj Rathour’s sacrifice and his vision of youth engagement. Beyond competition, the event aims to strengthen Army-civil bonds, channel the energy of youth into positive pursuits, and celebrate Bandipora’s evolving identity as a hub of sports, talent, and community harmony.
Bandipora—historically known for its three A’s: Alim (Education), Adab (Culture & Literature), and Aab (Water)—is now adding a fourth: sports. Once affected by terrorism, the district has transformed through the tireless efforts of Rashtriya Rifles and the league stands as a symbol of peace, progress, and youth empowerment.
