Introduction
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 Challenge Ahead
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 they come in millions of tourists, 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."
Kashmir’s Turbulent Past
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.
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
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."
Rise to Prominence
The club started gaining local and national support. It started in the third tier of Indian football in 2018 and was promoted to I-League in 2018. 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 and finished third place in the 2024-25 season, only three points from the top position and promotion.
The Team’s Strength
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. 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.
A Unifying Force
The club announced DW that the average number of visitors for the last season was over 6,000, more than three times higher than the league average. "When the team plays, nobody takes care of what else is going on, there is no thinking about violence or anything," said fan Amal Mirza. "We just want our team to win. They see that the crowd are not only men and boys, but also girls and women there and old people. There is something to talk and support. I hope we can continue and get better."
The 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 to 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 [area] as well as."
The Bigger Picture
Real Kashmir has never only worked for results on the field. "This association started with a mission not only to play football, but to get the boys out and allow them to play with the mainland and to integrate," said Shawl. "We wanted to bring this change with us." And despite April events, this is still the permanent mission of the club.
