Football frenzy returns to Kashmir after 30 years

SRINAGAR: The mega football tournament, which began here Monday, is first ever in past thirty years.Kashmir Invitational Football Tournament,  featuring six teams including three from various Indian states, was inaugurated by Governor Narendra Nath Vohra in Baskhshi Stadium.

In the first was played between Air India and J&K Police.

The event is set to boost tourism industry in Kashmir, the Governor told newsmen. But many here believe Kashmir’s soccer culture could serve as a link between the various South Asian people especially India and Pakistan.

A large number of spectators, both young and old, filled the stands of Bakhshi Stadium to cherish the game Kashmiris have been fond of besides cricket.

The teams such as  Air India, ONGC, State Bank of Travancore  against the local big teams including J&K Bank, J&K Police and J&K Forest XI will face each other during the tournament, which is being organized by J&K Football Association in collaboration with J&K State Sports Council, after a gap of 30 years.

The matches will also be played in Polo Ground, Bakshi stadium, Bandipora Stadium and Degree College Baramulla.

President JKFA Zameer Ahmad Thakur said the aim of organizing such tournaments and inviting teams from outside the state is to promote football and help build its infrastructure in the state.

“Air India team has reached Srinagar while ONGC and the State Bank of Travancore will arrive in next three days,” said Thankur.

The final match of the tournament is scheduled to be played on June 10 at 4pm in Bakshi Stadium Srinagar.

The JKFA President said that football has been very popular game in the past in J&K and many players of the state represented India at the international level.

“We leave no stone unturned to organize maximum football tournaments in J&K. State Sports Council are also in the process of upgrading the sports infrastructure. By organizing more tournaments, we are also getting chance to upgrade our sports fields,” said Thakur.

Thakur said synthetic turf is being laid at TRC ground and the construction work will be completed soon.

“We are also hosting Federation Cup and we are hopeful that by that time we will have this synthetic turf ready,” he said.

Three Indian teams from outside Kashmir are participating – ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited) Mumbai, Air India of Mumbai, and Mizoram – as well as three local clubs (J&K Bank, J&K Police and J&K Forest 11).

The event will provide opportunities for locals to enjoy the game with friends and relatives.

“I look forward to (the tournament),” bank employee and football enthusiast  Javed Ahmad, from Srinagar’s  Lal Chowk  area, said. “I along with my friends have already planned to watch all the matches together. For us it will be a get-together and a break from our daily hectic schedule.”

The event is also an opportunity for some area players to showcase their talent. Adnan Ayoob, who will play for J&K Bank, said he is working hard to prove himself.

“For the first time, I will perform in front of my own people. I was awaiting this great moment my whole life,” he said. “There are other people as well who are ready to prove their football skills for the first time.”

“Last year we organized a football event and around 30,000 people came to watch the matches. Now this year we are organizing a mega-football event, which will send a message to the outside world that everything is normal in the Valley,” he said. “Onwards, we will organize these tournaments every year in Kashmir.”

Another player said, “I am sure Kashmir is on way to becoming the football capital of South Asia.”

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