Football In Kashmir: A New Start

Why is the sports loved?

Kashmir, a place which is often deemed to be a place of war and conflict is one of the most disturbed states of India. But, despite its bad reputation on papers, Kashmir is also known as the ‘’Paradise on Earth’’. The scenic beauty of this majestic place of India is often underrated due to the tensions it shares with Pakistan and also internally. But the disturbances within the state has not proved to be a barrier for those who are deeply engaged in sports. With the cricket team of Jammu and Kashmir doing really well in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments, Kashmir has also been able to produce a football team which has lead many dreams by becoming the first team from Kashmir to be taking part in the I-League.

Who could be so daring to imagine that a state which is a real victim of politics and extreme violence would also have urge to be the best in a sport. But, the RKFC or the Real Kashmir Football Club has made it possible. Lot of young children of Kashmir are really intrigued by the wonderful game of football. With floods devastating many areas during 2014, some of the wealthy people of Kashmir came together and sponsored 1000 footballs for the players to play. Who could have imagined that these 1000 footballs would prove to be a landmark event in shaping the future of football in Kashmir. Later on, the RKFC was set up and it made history by becoming the first team from Kashmir to be participating in I-League football tournament.

The football team has been very successful in making the Sottish footballer David Robertson as its head coach and Adidas as their kit sponsor. In a place full of violence, the team is not only promoting a mere sport, but has also been very successful in promoting peace and unity. It showed that players from different parts of the valley are capable enough to stay and play together to win and bring pride for the entire state of Kashmir.

How football grew in Kashmir?

Though cricket was very popular in Kashmir, but many young children are now aspiring to become great footballers and they share a dream of playing for the RKFC. Forming of the football team has somewhat changed the views of the young minds towards sports and their involvement with it would be not less than a boon for the people of Kashmir.

We all have witnessed great tensions between countries have always been settled through sports and with the growth and success of RKFC, Kashmir might have just found the antidote for the politically induced internal conflicts and disturbances.