The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has helped two Kashmiri teenagers to play for a Spanish league football club, as part of its civic outreach programme in the valley, which saw continued violence in 2016.
The two — Basit Ahmed and Mohammed Asrar Renbar, both 18 years old, were selected by a panel of three professional footballers.
“We tied up with Sociedad Deportiva Lenense, Proinastur club (A 3rd division professional club of the Spanish La Liga). The club agreed to engage a player on contract for the position of central forward and right winger for the upcoming matches in January,” said Zulfiquar Hasan, Inspector General, CRPF (Kashmir).
The officer added that this was the first time that any Indian would be playing for a Spanish football club.
“The J&K Football Association surveyed all the footballers in the valley in the age group of 18-19 years and shortlisted 36 players. Ahmed and Renbar were chosen by the panel then,” said Mr. Hasan.
"Football is a popular game in Kashmir. The valley has produced top class players who have gone on to play at both national and international levels.
"Abdul Majid was the trailblazer of this region. He has captained the national side and has many international achievements. The present sensations like Ishfaq Ahmed and Mehrajuddin Wadoo are the products of this tradition,” Mr. Hasan added.
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