Bhatkal: The Uttara Kannada District Football Association (UKDFA) held its first-ever annual awards ceremony in Bhatkal, honouring footballers, coaches, managers, students and young achievers for their contribution and accomplishments in sports and other fields.
The highlight of the event was the felicitation of 11 players from Uttar Kannada who represented Karnataka at the Khelo India Beach Soccer Championship in Diu in January 2026, where Karnataka won a historic bronze medal at the national level. The players honoured included Mohammed Sufiyan Kazia, Abdul Samad SM, Jasir SK, Mohammed Luqman Sheikhji, Mohammed Madani Tonse, Ammar Kashimji, Amaan Kola, Saad Khan, Salman Gouse, Dilesh and Kevin.
The achievement was described as a significant milestone for football in Uttar Kannada, with the district producing an unprecedented number of players selected to represent Karnataka at the national championship. The Karnataka State Football Association had earlier felicitated the team and presented a cash award of Rs 1 lakh.
The UKDFA’s prestigious Ballon d’Or – Best Player of the District was awarded to Abdul Samad SM for his outstanding performances and contribution to football.
The ceremony also recognised achievements beyond football. Ten students were honoured for academic excellence, while four Huffaz, a student who cleared the ACCA examination in the first attempt, university-level footballers and young achievers in areas including app development and youth development were also felicitated.
Special awards were presented for Best Manager, Best Coach, Best Emerging Player, Best Sub-Junior and Junior Player, Most Regular and Disciplined Player, and Best Youth Development by a Club. All awardees received trophies and cash prizes.
The event was attended by DYES Assistant Director Ravi Naik, Karnataka State Football Association Vice-President Ismail M. Musba, UKDFA President Aheed Mohtesham, General Secretary Maawiya Mohtesham and other sports and community representatives.
The UKDFA said the awards were aimed at encouraging sporting excellence alongside education, discipline and youth development, while inspiring the next generation of footballers in Uttara Kannada.