Introduction to Tragedy
The tragic events of April 22, when 26 tourists in Kashmir were administered in India, were not only devastating for families and friends of the victims. They also drove India and Pakistan into a dangerous confrontation and had consequences on the soccer field. Real Kashmir FC (RKFC) worked hard with some success to present another face in the region to the broader world, but now the area that it represents was again in the news for the wrong reasons.
Immediate Challenge
The immediate challenge is to ensure that April’s events do not decrease public interest and private sector investment in a club that is less than a decade old but has already made considerable progress. "April 22nd is the most unfortunate and tragic incident that could have happened," said Arshad Shawl, the owner of RKFC. "It brings us back, because when millions of tourists come, it becomes a larger and better market for brands, products, and services. If there is an escalation between the two countries, it will be an unattractive place for everyone."
Background of Kashmir
India and Pakistan claim Kashmir, a Muslim majority region, as a whole, but only control a section of the territory, as well as China. The region was a flashpoint for India and Pakistan since it became independent of the United Kingdom in 1947. Long-term security problems and unrest made sure that this beautiful part of the world often made international headlines before the mass shooting in April for the wrong reason.
Struggle to Make Voices Heard
Kashmiris have been struggling to make their voices heard, and the recent events have made it even more challenging. The region has been plagued by violence and unrest, and the people are looking for ways to express themselves and bring about change. Football has become a way for the people of Kashmir to come together and showcase their talent.
History of Real Kashmir FC
After the floods in 2014 destroyed Kashmir, two people came together to try to do something to help the local young people. Shamim Mehraj, a Muslim newspaper owner, and Hindu businessman Sandeep Chatdoo, who died in 2023, decided that local young people needed something to prevent them from getting disillusioned. They distributed 100 footballs, which was a simple but effective way to bring the community together.
Mission of the Club
The club was shaped with a motto: ‘Let’s allow the Kashmir youth to feel and play, and reduce stress, fear, and depression.’ The club’s mission is to create, inspire, and bring faith to the people of Kashmir. Every real Kashmir victory symbolizes the collective effort of the people, and the club has become a symbol of hope and unity in the region.
Rise to Fame
The club started gaining local and national support and started in the third tier of Indian football in 2018. It was promoted to the I-League in 2018 and reached the semi-finals of the Durand Cup, one of the oldest cup competitions in the world, the following year. Since then, the so-called "snow leopards" have performed well in the second tier and finished third in the 2024-25 season, only three points from the top position and promotion.
Unique Advantage
The breathtaking landscape with mountains, lakes, and forests has also helped the players. "We are at great altitude, and with our oxygen capacity and diet, we are physically quite strong," said Shawl. The club’s unique advantage has been its ability to adapt to the challenging terrain and climate of Kashmir.
Fan Support
Faisal Ashraf, co-founder of the Real Kashmir Fan Club, is a supporter from the start. "There is a love of football in Kashmir, more than somewhere else in India, and people come together to support the team. There is a real heritage here," said Ashraf. The club announced that the average attendance for the last season was over 6,000, more than three times higher than the league average.
Next Steps
The challenge is to keep the momentum going and to win a place in the Indian Super League (ISL), the country’s top level. In order to get there and face the huge clubs from Kolkata, Mumbai, Kerala, and elsewhere, there could be a game changer. "It would be the biggest thing that can happen and give young people the chance to see the largest ISL teams that would come here and play here," said Shawl. "It would open a new chapter and be the best that Real Kashmir and the entire Jammu and Kashmir can happen."
