The 'Real' Kashmir

Coming together is only the beginning; keeping together marks progress; and, performing together will ultimately define success. This had been the fate of a few Kashmiri teenagers who came together in 2014 to form a football club – and, there has been no looking back since then. Among the latest entrants into the Indian football scene, the Real Kashmir cubs have grown into swift 'Snow Leopards' – as they are now often monikered.

As children, most of these cubs could be seen dribbling the ball through the narrow alleys of their neighbourhoods. In a place where normality is often halted by gunfights and shutdowns, they had no idea that this would, one day, turn to a career.

Earlier in 2018, Real Kashmir FC was still playing in the second division of the I-League. On a rainy evening, miles away from home, Real Kashmir FC was up against Hindustan FC at the FSV arena in Bengaluru. At half-time, Real Kashmir was leading 2-1 and that's when the downpour grew heavier. On hearing complains about playing in such horrific conditions, one of the co-owners exclaimed, "We're going to be playing in the snow and you guys are getting scared of the rain!" Hindustan FC had been undefeated in the season, but beyond everyone's imagination, Kashmir went on to defeat the favourites 3-2 to claim the second-division championship and secure a berth at the highest rung of football in India – the I-League.

The players received a hero's welcome when they returned home after the win. Midfielder Danish Farooq recounts, "Ever since we have returned, people have been calling, meeting and messaging non-stop to congratulate us. Achha lag raha hai. Sab itne khush hain jaise ye poore Kashmir ka achievement ho. It feels good to be able to give so much joy to people."

Ahead of the 2018-19 season of the I-league, the team travelled to Germany for their pre-season practice against a world-class team – Borussia Dortmund. To further boost preparations, the management roped in ex-Rangers and Aberdeen player David Robertson as the team manager. The road though hasn't been easy for the snow leopards. They have limited access to infrastructure, they experience massive power cuts, erratic internet connectivity with occasional suspensions – all of this even cast a shadow of doubt on Robertson quitting this assignment for more lucrative jobs in either China or Uganda. Had he quit, he would not have been party to the meteoric rise of these leopard cubs.

Unlike other professional teams, Real Kashmir FC players have to practice in snow through most of the year amidst various other constrains – only visible to local residents. Local players' performances have been improving rapidly and they now have a platform unlike the previous generations. In a recent interview, 22-year-old forward Ifham Tariq Mir emphasised on how difficult it is to play football in Kashmir. He said, "During curfew, we have to find alternate routes and chhup-chhup kar jaana padta hai. Checking hoti hai, kayi baar maar bhi khaani pad jaati hai. We were sure somehow, in a place like Kashmir, football meant no future."

The capacity of Real Kashmir's homeground, TRC Turf Ground, is 15,000 whereas around 25,000 often come for games. There have even been times when thousands couldn't get in – such is their popularity.

It makes one thing clear: no matter how much the Valley is divided by religion, race or politics, there is one thing that will always bring people together – football. There seems to be an aura of unity, equality and collectiveness about Real Kashmir FC. No one can doubt Real Kashmir FC's contribution in converting political tension into a sea of opportunities for the youth. To further assert, most team's players are either University students or part-time workers.

Team manager Robertson was mesmerised by the home support once the team reached the first division. He stated, "Our success has improved the exposure of football in Kashmir. Until now, Kashmir was a forgotten football state. Games on TV and in the national league have allowed Kashmiris to watch I-League football. In all home games, there have been huge crowds who have passionate supported the team."

He admits that interest in football is so big that local kids now dream of playing for Real Kashmir: "There is so much excitement for football now that we are in the I-League. In the second division, not many people were aware of us but the fact that Mohun Bagan and Churchill Brothers have been to Kashmir, the awareness now is huge. We now have young players dreaming to play for Real Kashmir and to be on TV. It has really opened doors for Kashmiri footballers. We had five Kashmiris playing in the final game of the second division and have three regularly playing in the league this season."

Even in their first stint in I-League, it seemed that they were ready for this since decades – thrashing Mohun Bagan in both legs is a testimony to it. They are now placed third, right behind Chennai City and East Bengal with four games to play. Once cubs, these Snow Leopards are now in contention for title glory in what could be a wildest dream turning into reality through dedication, hard work and perseverance.

Play to heal, not to hate!