Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Footballers defy Kashmir conflict to take Indian league by storm

BULLETS are heard every day in the world's most militarised zone, but shots fired on goal by Danish Farooq have become a revelation in Kashmir.

The 22-year-old striker symbolises a fairytale rise by Real Kashmir, the first club from the war-torn Himalayan region to make it into India's top football league.


With the help of Scottish coach David Robertson, the Snow Leopards have emerged as serious title contenders in their debut I-League season and on Wednesday beat Gokulam Kerala 1-0 to go top of the table.

Farooq has defied stone-pelting protesters and pellets shot by security forces to make it to training.

"I have struggled a lot. But whatever the situation, I try not to miss practice," said Farooq, whose father was also a professional footballer, playing for Mohammedan Sporting, one of India's oldest clubs.

"Playing in the I-League is a dream come true and I am living that dream every day."

Other players are also wary of the security situation and would rather join clubs outside of Indian-administered Kashmir, which is also claimed by neighbouring Pakistan and where tens of thousands have died in conflict since the 1990s.

There are some 500,000 Indian soldiers and police in the region to combat rebels battling for independence or a merger with Pakistan.

The insurgency has soured relations between the two countries for decades, while elsewhere in India Kashmiris are viewed with suspicion.

"If you are a Kashmiri, even if you are a sportsperson, you are labelled a terrorist," said midfielder Khalid Qayoom.

"We want to change that perception. Kashmiris are not terrorists, it is just a label thrust on us."

But there were stark reminders of the troubles outside the stadium -- which is covered with snow for much of the football season -- after his team's 1-0 home win over Chennai City last week.

Armed police and armoured vehicles patrolled the perimeter as 15,000 rapturous fans cheered the hometown heroes.

- 'A joke' -

Real Kashmir have come a long way since newspaper editor Shamim Meraj and businessman Sandeep Chattoo raised funds to buy 500 footballs to keep local youths occupied after deadly floods in 2014.

The club took formal shape in March 2016, four months before a civilian uprising triggered by the killing of popular 21-year-old rebel leader Burhan Wani.

Chattoo said Real Kashmir started as "a joke".

"We just threw out the idea and went step-by-step. I had no idea how far it would go," he said.

The pair brought on as coach Scotland's David Robertson, a former Aberdeen and Rangers defender, while Adidas agreed to a kit sponsorship -- the only Indian team to get the sportswear giant's money.

"We found our calling when we got to know... how the team has set on a mission to bring a positive change in the valley," said Adidas marketing chief Sharad Singla.

Robertson declined coaching offers from clubs in China and Uganda to take charge at the Snow Leopards but had never visited India before and considered abandoning the club after just two days in Kashmir, after a power and internet outage cut him off from family back home.

"I was ready to go. But then the club owner persuaded me to stay, and now I am so glad that he did that," he said.

"Overall for me the pleasing thing is that the success of the team has put Kashmir on the football map."

Robertson even convinced his son Mason to quit a full-time contract with Scottish side Peterhead to join the team as a midfielder.

Local under-15 coach Owais Farooq said Real Kashmir's sudden triumphs had brought about a surge of interest in the sport among Kashmir's youngsters.

"I receive so many calls every day from parents who want to enrol their children in training programmes but we don't have enough grounds to train," he said.

- Turf war -

Football is an afterthought in cricket-mad India, and the country's 103rd-ranked international side is a notorious underachiever which has never participated in a World Cup.

The sport was popular in Kashmir before an armed rebellion against Indian rule erupted in the 1990s, after which no tournament was held for almost two decades.

But Real Kashmir have given locals a fresh taste for football success.

"You can see the love that the people have given us," said club co-owner Meraj. "That's the biggest takeaway for us."

Thirty-five-year-old hotel worker Parvaiz Ahmad Reshi said he only started watching football on TV because of the club.

"I have been hooked on it ever since," he said. "When I watch the game I forget my troubles. It's so good to have something apart from violence and killings to talk about."

(AFP)

More For You

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less
Arijit Singh

Arijit Singh becomes most followed musician on Spotify

Getty Images

Arijit Singh overtakes Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to become most followed artist on Spotify

Quick highlights:

• Arijit Singh makes global music history with 151 million Spotify followers

• Surpasses Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran in follower count

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher arrives for the special screening of Oasis documentary "Supersonic"

Getty Images

Liam Gallagher apologises for racial slur after backlash as Oasis reunion tour kicks off

Quick highlights:

  • Liam Gallagher issued an apology after using a racial slur in a now-deleted social media post.
  • The offensive post appeared just days before Oasis kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.
  • Fans criticised the singer on X, prompting him to clarify it was unintentional.
  • Oasis will perform over 40 shows globally, starting 5 July in Wales.

Liam Gallagher has apologised for using a racial slur in a post on X, as Oasis reunites for their first tour in 15 years. The singer shared a one-word reply on Monday that included a derogatory term aimed at East Asian people. Though he quickly deleted it, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread criticism.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Gallagher wrote: “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love LG x.”

Keep ReadingShow less