The growth of local football clubs like Downtown Heroes in Kashmir, with a focus on providing a platform for talented local players. Players like Abdul Majid, Arun Malhotra, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, and Ishfaq Ahmed have showcased their skills at the national and international levels, and more recently, Danish Farooq has made his mark in the ISL, playing for Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC.
Basit Ahmed Bhat’s signing by Gokulam Kerala from Downtown Heroes highlights the progress the club is making in nurturing young talents and providing them with opportunities to play at higher levels.
“The Downtown area of Srinagar has a rich cultural history and is steeped in tradition. Over the years, sports have been a big part of the tradition in this area, with football being at its epicentre. It had become a place for instability in between, but we want to show the good side of this area, that those residing here are good, football-loving people,” Hinan Bhat, Co-Founder of Club, Shares Insight on the AIFF Website.
Participating in tournaments like the J&K Premier Football League, Martyrs Police Memorial Football Tournament, and the upcoming Durand Cup allows Downtown Heroes to gain valuable experience and exposure by competing against clubs from the ISL and I-League.
The fact that the club also operates U-15 and U-19 junior teams, all comprising players from Kashmir, shows their commitment to youth development and building a strong foundation for the future.
Moreover, their plans to promote women’s football and establish a women’s team within the next few months are commendable. By aiming to participate in the Indian Women’s League, the club is taking significant steps towards gender inclusivity and creating opportunities for women footballers in the region.
The vision to have their own ground, which will be extensively used for their women’s team as well, further showcases their dedication to the growth and advancement of football in the region.
Downtown Heroes’ efforts and initiatives are crucial for the overall development of football in Kashmir and will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the sport and its players in the years to come.
“Although everyone loves football, the Downtown area of Srinagar is prone to conservative ideas, and we want to work towards women’s empowerment through our women’s team as well,” stated Hinan.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
