Football hits standstill in Ganderbal, youth left disappointed

Ganderbal, Dec 8: Once a lively football hub in central Kashmir, Ganderbal is witnessing an unusual silence on its grounds as local players and enthusiasts express sadness and anger over the absence of football activities for more than a year, urging the Jammu & Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) to resume tournaments and revive the sport in the district.

“In Ganderbal, football is not just a sport, it's a way of life. Young boys and girls, with dreams of becoming future stars, can often be seen playing on makeshift grounds, using makeshift balls and displaying their skills with passion and dedication” Rouf Ahmad , a young football enthusiast told Greater Kashmir.

He, however, said that the lack of football activities in the district has left the footballers feeling disappointed and angered. Pertinent to mention, the absence of organised tournaments and matches has taken away the opportunity for these budding players to showcase their talent and compete with others. “The empty football fields are a stark reminder of what is missing, the excitement, the camaraderie, and the sense of community that comes with playing the sport,” Ahmad said.

The local players from the district said that despite the passion of local players, the sport was struggling due to inadequate infrastructure and lack of support from authorities.

As per Idrees Ahmad, a young football enthusiast, the future of football in Ganderbal depends on addressing these issues and providing a supportive environment for local players to thrive. “With proper infrastructure and fair governance, football can continue to be a source of passion and pride for the community,” he said.

Meanwhile, sources in the district football association Ganderbal told Greater Kashmir that the JK football association is not working since last one year due to some reasons, effecting overall football sports activities in valley .

However, despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. The recent inauguration of sports infrastructure projects in Ganderbal, including a synthetic football turf and athletic track, has sparked excitement among the locals.

The investment in sports infrastructure could be the catalyst needed to revive football in the region and provide a platform for young athletes to shine.