Here's the story of a how a football team in northern India has offered hope to a region struggling with economic and social problems. Now plying its trade in India's top-flight, Real Kashmir F.C. is gaining global recognition.
Here's the story of a how a football team in northern India has offered hope to a region struggling with economic and social problems. Now plying its trade in India's top-flight, Real Kashmir F.C. is gaining global recognition.
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Real Kashmir's journey started after floods devastated the region in 2014. Two local friends -- Sandeep Chattoo and Shamim Meraj -- saw the community struggling to cope and wanted to help.
Real Kashmir's journey started after floods devastated the region in 2014. Two local friends -- Sandeep Chattoo and Shamim Meraj -- saw the community struggling to cope and wanted to help.
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They were spurred on by seeing groups of youths congregating in the evenings causing social unrest. The region has long been blighted by political power struggles which have frequently resulted in clashes with Indian security forces.
They were spurred on by seeing groups of youths congregating in the evenings causing social unrest. The region has long been blighted by political power struggles which have frequently resulted in clashes with Indian security forces.
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To give the youths an alternative outlet, Chattoo and Meraj bought footballs for the local area. Soon everyone wanted to play and an official team -- Real Kashmir -- was created in 2016.
To give the youths an alternative outlet, Chattoo and Meraj bought footballs for the local area. Soon everyone wanted to play and an official team -- Real Kashmir -- was created in 2016.
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The side eventually entered the I-League Division 2 but had to contend with a lack of facilities.
The side eventually entered the I-League Division 2 but had to contend with a lack of facilities.
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Manager David Robertson took over in 2017 and has been credited with transforming the club. The former professional footballer from Britain had never been to India before.
Manager David Robertson took over in 2017 and has been credited with transforming the club. The former professional footballer from Britain had never been to India before.
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The team won the second division title in the club's second year of existence. As a result, Real Kashmir was promoted to India's top flight for the 2018-19 season.
The team won the second division title in the club's second year of existence. As a result, Real Kashmir was promoted to India's top flight for the 2018-19 season.
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Promotion yielded another bonus. Adidas announced it would be partnering with the Indian club for the new campaign. The brand hopes to continue "changing lives" through sport.
Promotion yielded another bonus. Adidas announced it would be partnering with the Indian club for the new campaign. The brand hopes to continue "changing lives" through sport.
Credit: Adidas
The club has been a constant source of hope for its vulnerable community, which in turn has acted as motivation for the team. Real Kashmir won its first I-League fixture against Minerva Punjab F.C.
The club has been a constant source of hope for its vulnerable community, which in turn has acted as motivation for the team. Real Kashmir won its first I-League fixture against Minerva Punjab F.C.
Credit: Real Kashmir FC