Srinagar, June 06: In a momentous occasion for football enthusiasts in Jammu and Kashmir, five talented boys have made history by directly qualifying for the final Zonal selection trial for the North Zone. The event, scheduled to take place from 7th to 13th June 2023 in Punjab, marks the first time that players from J&K have secured such a remarkable achievement.
The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) had initially allotted two spots for each state. However, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Arun Malhotra, a former international player and member of the AIFF Technical Committee, the state managed to secure five coveted spots for its promising players.
Malhotra, a dedicated supporter of football, has been tirelessly working towards the promotion of the sport, and his relentless determination has paved the way for the following players to represent Jammu and Kashmir at the upcoming trials: Arnav Sharma, Krish Kerni, Abdul Salha Shear Gojri, Aayaan Bilal, Hashim Bilal.
This outstanding achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable contribution of Ms. Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council. Her constant guidance and unwavering cooperation have played a pivotal role in nurturing the players and fostering the overall development of sports in the region. Under Ms. Gul’s leadership, the J&K Sports Council has committed itself to elevating football to new heights of glory.
The J&K Sports Council, displaying its commitment to nurturing and supporting young football talent, will bear all expenses related to the travel of the selected candidates through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. This support further underscores the dedication of the JKSC towards empowering promising athletes.
On behalf of the Chairman of the J&K Football Association, heartfelt congratulations are extended to the selected boys, along with deep gratitude to everyone who played a crucial role in this momentous achievement. Special recognition goes to Ishfaq Ahmad, an ex-international footballer, Sajid Yousuf Dar, an International Coach and Coach Educator, Javaid Ahmad of JKSC, Arun Pal Jasrotia, a certified scout, and Satpal Singh, a Coach. Their unwavering dedication and relentless efforts have transformed this dream into a tangible reality.
