‘We are a well-knit unit’

KHALID QAYOOM

Age: 21

Position: Midfield

Teams played: Gazi Sports, Safalloo, Food and Supplies, SRTC and JK Bank

Employer Team: JK Bank

At 21, Khalid has represented almost all the top teams of J&K. It speaks volumes about his talent and selectors have rewarded him by giving him place in JK Santosh Trophy squad. Khalid started his career from ML Higher Secondary School Nawakadal. Though he couldn’t participate in school national tournaments, he participated in inter-school and junior national tournaments, which helped him to groom.He represented state in under-16 junior national at Uttranchal in which JK team was able to qualify from north zone for zonal level tournament held at Goa. He also represented state in under-19 national tournament at Malerkotla, Punjab. JK qualified for semifinal and Khalid scored two goals in the event.He has represented Kashmir University twice in inter-university football tournament in Hoshiarpure and Patiala.Khalid started paying in league tournaments from Gazi Sports and then he moved to Safalloo, which is A-division side. Seeing his talent, Food and Supplies selected him and for one full season he Khalid played for them. The renowned team of the state, SRTC selected him and it was in SRTC where he got recognition. He mesmerized everyone by his quality play. Last year number one team of the state JK Bank inducted him into their squad.Khalid is happy with his selection and is hopeful that he will put a good show in the coveted Santosh Trophy event.“The selectors have shown faith on me and I’ll do my best in the tournament. I’ve only one thing in mind that is to keep my self focused on the job given,” he said.About the team, he said, “We are a well-knit unit and it would prove beneficial for the team. I’m optimistic that JK team would do well in the event.”

published In Greater Kashmir on May 22- 2009 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=22_5_2009&ItemID=7&cat=4