Kerala clinch gold medal in men’s football after 28 years

Kerala clinched gold medal in men's football of the 38th National Games with a dramatic 1-0 win over hosts Uttarakhand on Friday. Kerala had last won the men's title in National Games football almost three decades ago.

Gokul S scored the winner in the 52nd minute. Kerala had to play more than 20 minutes with ten men after defender Safwan M was sent off in a controversial manner.

The referee Tanumoy Sarkar had initially given a yellow card for a cynical foul as Safwan pulled down a charging forward outside the box. But after consulting with his assistant, the referee changed his mind, and to everyone's surprise, brandished a straight red in the 74th minute. 

However, Kerala defended resolutely and nearly scored a second on a break. At the end of 9 added minutes, Kerala celebrated a much-deserved victory.

This was Kerala's third gold medal in men's football at the National Games as they have gone level with Punjab and West Bengal on most titles. Kerala had missed the title in the Santosh Trophy after losing 1-0 to a late winner from Bengal's Robi Hansda in Hyderabad on December 31.

A much-changed Kerala was fielded for the National Games with Ajay Alex as captain and Shafeeq Hassan Madathil as head coach. “After 28 years Kerala clinched gold medal in National Games so we are so proud,” said captain Ajay at full-time.