Dasmunsi will speak to Azad before alloting Santosh trophy to J

Srinagar, July 30 (UNI) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will seek assurance from the Jammu and Kashmir government on the security issue before alloting the 61st Santosh Trophy to the state.

During a meeting of the AIFF yesterday in national capital, security and other matters related to holding of Santosh Trophy in Kashmir were debated in details, sources said here today.

They said the meeting decided that Union Minister and president of the AIFF Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi would speak to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad before taking a final decision.

The Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) has launched vigorous efforts to ensure that the tournament is held in Srinagar after defending champion Goa and West Bengal reportedly expressed concerns over the venue following a spate of terror attacks in the valley.

However, on July 22, two-member team of observers, including Alberto Colaco, General Secretary of AIFF visited the venues, which have been selected by the JKFA for holding Santosh Trophy matches.

Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Orissa have expressed their willingness to host the championship, but Haryana seems to be the frontrunner in case the AIFF decide to change the venue from Srinagar.

If the federation decides in favour, the valley would play host to the tournament for the second time after a gap of 28 years. It was earlier held in 1978.

The three-week long National event would be held on three football grounds --- Polo ground (west), Bakshi Stadium and Amar Singh Collage---, the JKFA President Zameer Ahmad Thakur told UNI.

UNI FMH YSS DH KP1713