Introduction to Real Kashmir FC
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.
The Impact on the Club
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," Arshad Shawl, the owner of RKFC, said. "It brings us back, because when tourists come in millions, 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."
The Kashmir Region
India and Pakistan claim Kashmir, the Muslim majority region, as a whole, with only a section of the territory under Indian control, 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.
The Birth of Real Kashmir FC
After the floods in 2014, Kashmir was destroyed, and two people came together to try to do something. 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. It was simple but effective.
The Club’s Mission
"That was the idea," said Shawl. "Let’s allow the Kashmir youth to feel and play, to release stress, fear, and depression." "The club was shaped with a motto: ‘Create, faith, and inspire.’ [Kashmir] was known for balls and stones, but every real Kashmir victory symbolizes our collective effort." The club also says this in its official video and explains: "When you see Kashmir through the lens of football, you will see the real Kashmir."
Football in Kashmir
It hit a chord with locals. South Asia may be a cricket breeding ground, but this northwestern corner of the subcontinent is different. "We grow up with football and have a passion for it," fan Amal Mirza said. "We have a different identity in Kashmir, and football gives us the opportunity to enjoy it for ourselves and show it to others." The club started to gain local and national support. It started in the third tier of Indian football in 2018 and was promoted to I-League in 2018.
Success and Growth
The following year, it reached the semi-finals of the Durand Cup, one of the oldest cup competitions in the world. Since then, the so-called "snow leopards" have taken their place well in the second tier, finishing third in the 2024-25 season, only three points from the top position and promotion. The breathtaking landscape with mountains, lakes, and forests also helped the players. "We are at great altitude and with our oxygen capacity and diet, we are physically quite strong," said Shawl.
The Fan Base
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 number of visitors for the last season was over 6,000, more than three times higher than the league average.
Unity and Support
"When the team plays, nobody takes care of what else is going on, there is no thinking about violence or anything," said Mirza. "We just want our team to win. They see that the crowd is not only men and boys
