J

Srinagar, June 29 (UNI) The final of the ninth Police Martyrs Memorial Football Tournament between BSF Jalandhar and Jammu and Kashmir Bank would now be played tomorrow after the match was postponed as organisers awaited confirmation from Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad for his presence at the closing ceremony.

The final, earlier scheduled to be held on June 24, was postponed indefinitely at the last moment.

When contacted, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP Armed) P S Gill had told UNI that the final would be played only after getting the confirmation from the Chief Minister for his presence at the closing ceremony.

''The Chief Minister has a busy schedule. We are awaiting his confirmation and once we get that the date of the final and the closing ceremony will be announced,'' he added.

''The Chief Minister also heads the Home Department and as the police is organising the tournament, he would like to be present at the closing ceremony and watch the final match,'' Mr Gill said.

In the finals tomorrow, Jammu and Kashmir Bank will strive hard to avenge their last year's defeat while BSF Jalandhar looks favourite to retain the championship.

The finals will be a repeat of last year as both the last year's finalists will sweat it out once again in the tournament.

A solitary goal shortly before the breather by Rajpal helped BSF Jalandhar to overpower fighting Jammmu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) in the second semi-final on June 22.

In the first semi-final on June 21, Jammu and Kashmir Bank beat CRPF Delhi, the winner of the championship in 2003, by two goals.

In all, 32 teams participated in the tournament which began on June 10.

UNI FMH PM HS1207