The Khpalwak team wins the Baghlan U-21 Futsal Championship after their rivals, Independence, failed to appear in the final.
By Haroon Mirzayee
Baghlan: The Baghlan Under-21 Futsal Championship concluded in Pul-e-Khumri with Khpalwak Futsal Club declared champions after a dramatic turn of events in the final.
The tournament, featuring 16 teams, began with group stages before Independence and Khpalwak advanced to the final following strong performances against their semi-final opponents. However, Independence’s absence in the championship match led the refereeing committee to award Khpalwak a 3–0 victory by default.
Tournament referee Ramesh Omari said the decision was in line with competition rules: “A no-show in the final leaves no alternative but to award the win to the opposing team, ensuring the integrity of the competition.”
In addition to the championship trophy, individual honors were presented. Qaseem Kushaniar was named Best Player, while Elham Mohammadi received the Best Goalkeeper award for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
The organizing committee also recognized referees Ramesh Omari, Baryali Nazari, and Omran Sharifi for their contributions to the tournament’s success.
Futsal has rapidly gained popularity across Afghanistan, particularly among young people. Local tournaments like the Baghlan U-21 Championship play a crucial role in identifying emerging talent, offering competitive platforms, and preparing players for national-level competitions.