![J&K Bank Beats Downtown Heroes To Lift Gold Cup Title](https://kashmirobserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/JK-Bank-Beats-Downtown-Heroes-Gold-Cup-Title.jpg)
JAMMU- J&K Bank XI defeated Downtown Heroes 1-0 on Thursday in the final match of the 17th Christmas Gold Cup Football Championship at Synthetic Turf, Parade Ground here
Advisor to LG Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar was in attendance as J&K Bank captain Aakif Reshi scored the game’s only goal.
The action-packed matchup saw an intense battle between the two rivals. With the scores locked at 0-0, Downtown Heroes entered the second half, hoping to continue upsetting J&K Bank, after pipping them to Srinagar Premier Division 2023 title.
However, the Heroes had Mehran sent off in the 65th minute, with a hungry Bank side looking to reassert their dominance.
J&K Bank’s persistence paid off late in added time, as their talismanic forward Aakif Reshi scored the winner in the 95th minute.
Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Nuzhat Gul, Secretary J&K Sports Council, and RK Chibber Ex-Chairman J&K Bank.
J&K Football Association congratulated the Bank XI on their win.
“J&K Bank has been a cornerstone in supporting and nurturing football talent over the years,” the JKFA said in a statement.
“We salute J&K Bank for their outstanding achievements and continuous efforts in shaping the football landscape,” it said.