Real Kashmir FC sparks football revival in Valley: Arshad Shawl

Srinagar, Sept 22: Real Kashmir Football Club (RKFC) has played a pivotal role in reviving Kashmir’s long-standing football culture, says the club’s promoter, Arshad Shawl.

Speaking about the club’s journey, Shawl said RKFC, established in 2016, became the youngest club in the country to earn an I-League berth by winning the second division within just two years. Since then, the team has consistently remained among the top performers, finishing third in the 2024–25 season.

“Our mission is to convert this region into a sports capital. Kashmiri boys are among the best footballing talents in the country, and Real Kashmir has helped many of them reach national and professional levels,” Shawl said.

Tracing Kashmir’s football legacy, Shawl noted that the Valley has been home to a vibrant club culture for over seven decades, with institutions like J&K Transport, Shali Store, and J&K Bank once dominating the scene. However, the sport saw a lull until Real Kashmir’s rise reignited the momentum.

Shawl emphasised the role of professional management, quality coaching, and youth development programmes in shaping the club’s success. “We began with a simple initiative, distributing footballs among children to start a movement. Today, our boys are heroes and brand ambassadors, inspiring the next generation,” he said.

Calling his involvement a “mission”, Shawl underlined the need for better infrastructure, training facilities, and grassroots development to further expand the sport’s popularity. “We run youth programmes from U-13 to U-17 alongside the senior team in the I-League. With proper infrastructure and coaching, Kashmiri players can rank among the best in India,” he added.