Melbourne: Knanaya Phantoms Football Club has achieved a historic victory at the All-Australia Football Tournament held in Bendigo, Australia. Competing against around 52 strong teams, the club attracted widespread attention with its outstanding performances across different age categories.

In the Under-13 category, Knanaya Phantoms outplayed their opponents to claim their maiden championship title. Excellent strategies on the field and remarkable teamwork among the young players played a key role in securing the victory.

The club’s Under-11 team also delivered an outstanding performance, reaching the semifinals in its very first tournament appearance. Despite their young age, the players demonstrated remarkable determination and fighting spirit.

Harris Sijo Chalayil won the Golden Glove Award for the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.

Knanaya Phantoms Football Club was established just one year ago. Club Manager Sijo Chalayil said that winning the championship in such a major tournament, competing against several strong teams within a short period of its formation, was the result of quality training and the dedicated efforts of the children and their parents.

Mar Joseph Pandarasseril, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Kottayam, who was visiting Australia, specially congratulated the young players and club office-bearers on their historic achievement. He observed that the remarkable progress made by the children in sports was a matter of great pride.

Parish Vicar Fr. Dalish Kochery also congratulated the talented players and extended his best wishes for the club’s future activities.

VKCC President-elect Philips Abraham Koorikott and Oceania Knanaya Catholic Congress President Jose Abraham specially congratulated the participating players and the parents who prepared and encouraged their children for the tournament.

News: Tom Pazhayampallil