International triumphs and local roots

Srinagar, Jan 28: In the heart of beautiful landscapes of Kashmir, a football luminary has emerged, weaving a tale of triumph and resilience.

Sajid Yousuf Dar, a name synonymous with football excellence, not only carries forward a family legacy deeply rooted in the sport but has also become the sole international football coach hailing from the enchanting region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Born into a family steeped in football history, Sajid's journey is a testament to a legacy that spans generations.

His uncles, late Ali Mohammad Dar and late Ghulam Mohammad Dar, were football stalwarts in the 1950s and 1960s, setting the stage for his father, Muhammad Yousuf Dar, to become one of the best football players of his time.

The early 1990s saw Sajid's initiation into the game, guided by his father.

“The passion and love for the game have been there since my childhood. I grew up around the football culture, and our family was known as a sports family,” reflects Sajid, recalling the golden era when his father was treated as a star, with a massive fan following.

Sajid's journey as a player began in 1992 when he represented SP Higher Secondary School Srinagar, sparking a realisation of his potential.

Encouraged by family, including cousin Muhammad Aslam Parvaiz Dar and younger brother Majid Yousuf Dar, his journey unfolded across various clubs, leaving an indelible mark on the local football scene.

Sajid's commitment to football led him to pursue a diploma in sports coaching from NSNIS Patiala. Armed with Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Physical Education from Punjabi University Patiala, he embarked on a coaching career in 2004.

Sajid's coaching journey reached pinnacles of success, coaching age-group teams in Jammu and Kashmir and later leading the U 14 Boys National Team in the AFC festival at Kathmandu in 2012.

Unbeaten in the SAARC U 14 Football Championship in Tokyo in the same year, he entered the international coaching arena.

Despite facing setbacks like the devastating floods in Kashmir in 2014, Sajid bounced back in 2016, guiding the Indian Women’s National Team to victory in the 12th South Asian Games and clinching the gold medal.

Returning to Kashmir, Sajid's commitment to the local football scene remained unwavering.

He played a pivotal role in the formation of the Lone Star Football Club and served as the Technical Director of Real Kashmir in its inaugural year, contributing to the club's journey in the I leagues

Sajid's vision extended beyond the traditional boundaries, spearheading the development of women's football in J&K.

Overcoming societal barriers, SFA established six girls' football academies, providing young girls with a platform to showcase their talent.

The initiative bore fruit when J&K girls participated in the Indian Women's League, sparking newfound interest among young girls and their parents.

"The decision was not easy. I could have still played for a few more years, but while playing in the nationals, we felt that we lacked some good guidance. Me along with my friend Hilal Rasool decided to take admission in sports coaching, and we got selected. The journey as a coach started soon after finishing my diploma from NSNIS Patiala in 2003-04," reflects Sajid on his transition from player to coach.

Sajid's impact wasn't confined to the national borders.

He represented the country in ICC (International Coaching Course) in Germany, gaining insights into the German Football League (Bundesliga) and the success of the German national team.

He played a significant role in AFC conferences, sharing thoughts with football luminaries from Australia, Japan, and Korea in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In 2017, SFA units for boys were launched in every district of J&K, followed by eight academies for girls in 2018.

J&K girls' participation in the 2nd edition of IWL at Kolhapur proved to be a pivotal moment for women footballers in J&K.

Around eight players from SFA made it to Indian team.

After finishing his tenure as the Head Coach, Sajid took on the role of Coach Educator.

He attended the Coach Educators Programme in Malaysia and was appointed as FIFA Mentor for homegrown Indian elite coaches, later being upgraded as an A Diploma Coach Educator this year.

“Whatever little I have achieved, I am thankful to Almighty Allah and then to my parents. There are obviously people who timely provided me with the much-needed guidance and support," acknowledges Sajid.

His role as a football coach at the University of Kashmir and the focus on coach education in J&K are steps toward nurturing future football talent in the region.

Sajid’s journey is not merely a football saga, it is a tale of transcending adversity, nurturing talent, and inspiring generations.

His legacy is not just about goals scored and matches won but about paving the way for a new generation of football enthusiasts in the region, proving that even in the face of adversity, the beautiful game can flourish.

In the lush valleys of Kashmir, Sajid stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the region, resilient, passionate, and determined.

His journey mirrors the very essence of Kashmir, and through his dedication, football continues to flourish, echoing the belief that the beautiful game knows no boundaries.

By Nahida Mushtaq