How twin villages in south Kashmir are striving to keep India’s oldest sport alive

Anantnag, Jan 20: In the heart of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, where cricket and football dominate the youth’s imagination, the twin villages are scripting a remarkable comeback in India’s oldest sport—hockey.

However, despite it’s once-proud legacy, hockey has faced neglect across the country including Jammu and Kashmir region, over the past two decades.

Defying the odds of neglect and limited resources, Takia-Bahramshah and Muniwar, in south Kashmir's Anantnag district are reigniting passion for the national sport.

These villages, home to 12 thriving hockey clubs, are proving that the spirit of the game is still alive and thriving. Fuelled by young talents like 18-year-old Farhan Farooq and the enduring mentorship of seasoned players.

Many of these players have represented Jammu and Kashmir in national tournaments.

Among them are seasoned players like 55-year-old Sanaullah Mir and septuagenarians Ali Muhammad Wani, Abdul Rehman Wani, and Sofi Ghulam Muhammad, who have all contributed significantly to the sport's legacy in the region.

“Hockey has been a part of our lives since the 1970s. It’s a tradition that spans generations,” said 45-year-old Ishiyaq Ahmad, a former captain of both his club and the Kashmir University hockey team.

Ahmad’s late father, Ghulam Muhammad Dar, also played for the J&K hockey team, showcasing the enduring legacy of the sport in his family.

Last year, Farhan Fayaz played as a striker for the U-17 J&K national team.

Now, the spotlight has shifted to 18-year-old Farhan Farooq from Muniwar, who has earned a place in the U-19 J&K national hockey team.

“Although I’m also a professional footballer, I chose hockey to preserve our tradition,” said Farhan, who plays as a goalkeeper.

His father was also a hockey player for the same club. Farhan, pursuing the sport for the past five years, attributes his success to his unwavering dedication and the guidance of his coaches, Muneeb (a fellow goalkeeper) and Sartaj, both of whom have played at the national level.

However, Farhan laments the lack of facilities in Anantnag. “We have to travel to Pulwama to use turf facilities since there are none in our district, despite the abundance of talent here,” he said.

Sartaj, who plays as a defender for the Unanimous Hockey Club, expressed his pride in Farhan’s achievement.

“It’s a proud moment for all of us that a boy from our club has made it to the U-19 team,” he said, hoping Farhan will bring laurels to Kashmir.

The players from Anantnag primarily rely on the Government Degree College Boys' ground, or local village grounds.

“Ninety percent of the hockey players in Anantnag come from these twin villages despite limited resources,” Sartaj said. “We even pool money from our own pockets to buy equipment.”

Despite all these challenges, the players remain committed to keeping hockey alive , ensuring that the sport continues to thrive for generations to come.