Kashmiri girls too have potential to play for national team, says state legend Mehrajuddin Wadoo

Mehrajuddin Wadoo shed light on the league organised by Reliance Foundation Youth Sports in J&K.

In a groundbreaking initiative to nurture and cultivate young sporting talent across India, the Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) program has emerged as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes. This visionary project, spearheaded by the Reliance Foundation, seeks to provide a platform for the country’s youth to showcase their athletic prowess and pursue their dreams of becoming future sports stars.

RFYS has had a formidable role in recent years in developing grassroots football program in India by giving platform to young players to showcase their talent. The Reliance backed outfit is now organising U-15 and U-21 league for boys in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir while a U-19 league for women is also announced.

Khel Now had a privelege of speaking to one of the most celebrated footballers from the Jammu & Kashmir region, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, who spoke about the initiative to upgrade grassroots program in the region.

On the initiative

“It is a great initiative,” he began and then went on to explain his perspective, “I think this is the first time some league is being conducted by Reliance Foundation Youth Sports and it’s a great opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their skills. I think people are also liking it as far as I know from Kashmir. People have started liking it and they are very excited as well.”

He added, “They know there is something which is great for the youth in J&K, because at the end of the day what matters most is the competition for the player.”

Providing the platform

Kashmir has been a breeding ground for football talent, and players like Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Ishfaq Ahmed have made significant contributions to Indian football, representing the national team in the past. Their achievements stand as a testament to the rich football culture and talent pool present in the region.

Furthermore, the emergence of players like Danish Farooq and Suhail Bhat showcases the continued growth and recognition of Kashmiri footballers on the national stage.

When questioned about the importance of the league for the ecosystem in the region, Mehrajuddin Wadoo explained, “The passion for football in Kashmir is very high. I think there are people in Kashmir who like football more than cricket. When you see a football game in Jammu & Kashmir, you will see a lot of people come to watch it. For example, Real Kashmir are right now in the I-League. And if you see their games, there are a lot of people, who come and watch it.

“The talent is there, the potential is there, but the only thing is the lack of platform. They always want (to play), The clubs approach them, and they play for the clubs. They play for the competitions where they are also seen and picked.”

Talents in Kashmir

The J&K FA has been organizing a state league for the talents of the region. Clubs like Lonestar Kashmir, Downtown Heroes, have been participating in the I-League Second Division since the past few players after good performances in the state league. In addition to these clubs, Real Kashmir has been a flag bearer of football in the region since their promotion to the I-League.

Unfortunately, these are the senior level tournaments which provide very little opportunity for young kids to showcase their talents. RFYS league however, is set to provide an opportunity, which will transform the grassroots program and enable young boys and girls to take up the sport professionally.

Mehraj cited the example of teenage goalkeeper Imran Arshid who showed exemplary grit during the recently concluded Durand Cup, where he made more than a dozen saves in the group stage games, a group which included heavyweights like FC Goa and NorthEast United.

“Imran, he did well (in the Durand Cup), He was with us in (Real) Kashmir last season. He has got that potential. And playing for Downtown in the Durand Cup is a big thing because they are a good team,“ the coach stated.

Furthermore, he added, “Imran is one of the good talents who are there in Kashmir. And there are other players also, who are equally (good) enough to compete in such competitions and maybe capable of playing for the I-League and ISL clubs. “

RFYS Women’s League

The inclusion of the U-19 league for girls in the Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) program is a groundbreaking and transformative initiative. By offering a platform to young girls to participate in football, RFYS is not only enhancing the football ecosystem but also playing a pivotal role in societal development, especially in a region like Kashmir that has faced conflict.

This move holds immense significance as it goes beyond just sports; it empowers young girls and provides them with a unique opportunity to showcase their talents. In a region historically marked by conflict, the RFYS U-19 league for girls can serve as a catalyst for positive change, offering a platform for personal growth, skill development, and fostering a sense of identity and pride.

Expressing his happiness, Mehrajuddin Wadoo said, “If you look back, a few years ago we never had a girls team there in Kashmir and we started basically working on girls mainly when we started the State Football Academy in Jammu & Kashmir which I was taking care of. I was heading the program. We created units for the girls team, women’s team there in Jammu & Kashmir. And we were successful in creating eight units in the region. And a lot of girls took part.”

“Now, the girls are also showing interest to play football, not only boys. They represent the state, the UT and and you may see some of the girls. They have got potential to play for the national team because of the fact that the Kashmiri girls are physically good. They can run, and there are coaches who are working on them and working on their skills,” he concluded.

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