Arm wrestling event starts at Islamia College

GK NEWS NETWORK
Srinagar, May 14: The state arm wrestling championship started at Physical Education Department Hall of Islamia College, here on Thursday. On the inaugural day, registration and weigh in of participants was done. Around 120 arm wrestlers from different districts of the state registered themselves. The competitions would begin on Friday at 10 am. “After seeing rush of participants, we decided to do only registration and weigh in today. The competitions would be held on Friday and Saturday. The registration was done from under-52 kilogram category to 110-kilogram category,” J&K Arm Wrestling Association general secretary, Reyaz Ahmad, said. The first two position holders in each weight category would be selected for national event that is would be held in Srinagar from June 19-23.

apeared in greater kashmir on May 15

‘JK team has right combination of senior, young players’

With 63rd Santosh Trophy Scheduled To Be Held In Tamil Nadu From May 23, JK Team Has Been Shortlisted And Is Undergoing A Coaching Camp In Srinagar. The Final Team Would Be Announced Shortly.
TAMEEM AHMAD BHAT

AGE: 24

POSITION: Midfield

TEAMS PLAYED: Young Iqbal, Iqbal Sports, JKSRTC and BSNL

EMPLOYER TEAM: BSNL

Tameem is ranked among the top footballers of the Valley. He has been unfortunate of not having represented state in any Santosh Trophy tournaments till date. He was shortlisted in 2007, but was ruled out due to injury and last year he withdraw his name from trials as he had to participate in the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) trials at Jammu. He lost opportunity to represent state in front of its own people, but got the job in BSNL football team.“It was difficult decision that time to withdraw, but for livelihood, I had to make that decision. I couldn’t participate in the event but I got job in BSNL team,” he said.Tameem started playing football at young age and participated in various local tournaments in his early days. “It was in 1999 when I joined Young Iqbal football team and within a year I was appointed as captain. Under my leadership team won B-division league and qualified for A-division,” Tameem said.Later he joined Iqbal Sports, a super division side and it was during that period he showed his real talent. Seeing his leadership quality and command over other players, Iqbal Sports appointed him captain and under his leadership club achieved many milestones. In 2004, JKSRTC selected him.During his stay at SRTC, Tameem achieved all the millstones for which every Valley footballer aspires. With SRTC, he won state championship and remained runner-up in league tournaments. Apart from that they also lifted number of trophies all over the state. Tameem is known as big match player and whenever SRTC was playing against arch rivals JK Bank he gave best performance.In 2008 Tameem got offer from I-league club Mumbai FC, but he declined that due to personal reasons.“Everyone told me that I made wrong decision, but my family comes first and Allah rewarded me with job in BSNL,” he said.In his first year for JK BSNL team, in All Indian BSNL meet, Tameem gave one of his best performances. In the tournament he scored nine goals and with the help of that team was able to win three matches. He was adjudged as player of the tournament.As JKBSNL team played only in national events, Tameem has again joined Iqbal Sports in Super Diviosn league.In national events, Tameem has represented state in various junior national events. In under-16 level, he has represented the state twice. First time in Delhi and second as captain in Kerala. He has also played in Subroto Mukherjee Cup alongside Mehraj-ud-Din Wadoo and Ishfaq Ahmad. In under-19 age group, he represented state in Kerala and Jammu. He has represented state in under-21 level twice held at Haldiwani and Haryana. In both events, JK was able to qualify upto semifinal stage. Last year, he also represented Kashmir University in inter-university football tournament in Gadwall University, Uttranchal in which KU qualified to quarterfinal. Apart from that he has played in various national level open tournaments alongside SRTC team.He has also excelled in seven-A-side format football, which is shorter version of game. In last year’s Vice-Chancellors Seven-A-Side football tournament, Tameem was adjudged as best player and was awarded the golden boot award. Experts say Tameem is a skilled player. He has got good control over ball, good distribution skills, good drilling ability and excellent match temperament. In pressure situations, he never loses cool, which makes him a dangerous player.His only shortcoming is that he is a bit slow and lacks tackling ability. If he concentrates on it, there is no better player in valley than him, experts say.About chances of JK team in the Santosh Trophy, he said, “Team has right combination of young and senior players and I’m confident we would do well. I would give my best for the team.”

Apeared in Greater Kashmir on May 15 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=15_5_2009&ItemID=21&cat=4

‘If we play as team, we can beat anyone’

With 63rd Santosh Trophy Scheduled To Be Held In Tamil Nadu From May 23, JK Team Is Practicing Hard In A Coaching Camp In Srinagar. The Final Team Would Be Announced Shortly.

SAMEER HUSSAIN

AGE: 24

POSITION: Midfield

TEAMS PLAYED: JNV Budgam, NVS Delhi, Maharaja Sports, JK Bank

CURRENT TEAM: JK Forest

Sameer is popularly known as Chetri for his quickness like national team striker, Sunil Chetri. Hailing from Budgam district, he started playing football from his school team (Jawahar Navodaya Vidyaliya). During school days, he was selected for the All India JNV tournament. He represented the School in Manipur national event where he showed brilliant performance due to which he was selected for All India NVS team. He played there till he passed matric.Sameer has represented state in two under-19 national events in Himachal Pradesh – in which JK qualified their pool and he scored two goals – and second in under-19 national in Haldiwani in which JK team qualified for semifinal. He has also represented the state in two under-21 national tournaments held at Uttranchal and Delhi.Sameer started playing in league tournaments from Maharaja Sports and within short period attracted the attention of football lovers with his dazzling speedy runs. Seeing talent in the player, JK Forest recruited him. Along with other young players of the team he helped Forest team to regain its place in state football arena. Currently JK Forest is ranked along with the teams like JK Bank and JK SRTC.Sameer was recruited by JK Bank, but he rejoined Forest after having brief stint with the Bank.His speed and dribbling skills separate him with other players and midfielders. The most important feature of Sameer is that he never looses hope and always looks to score or make way for his teammates.Experts say that Sameer’s strength is his consistency .He is natural right footer and can swing ball both ways. He has got surprise element in him, which at many times proves lethal for the opponents. He has got canny knack of scoring goals at important moments. The only thing that Sameer needs to improve is to work on his left foot, which is little bit shaky. Sameer says JK has good chance to qualify from the pool. “We have talented players in the team. Our pool is not that strong as we are placed along with Pudicherry, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram. Among the three teams, only Mizoram is threat to us but if we play like a team then we can easily beat them.”About his own performance, Sameer said, “It is my debut Santosh Trophy and I know its importance. I’m confident that I’ll be able to put on good show. I’m really working hard in the coaching camp.”

Apeared in greater kashmir on May 14 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=14_5_2009&ItemID=7&cat=4

‘We will try best to win Santosh Trophy’

With 63rd Santosh Trophy Scheduled To Be Held In Tamil Nadu From May 23, JK Team Has Been Shortlisted And Is Presently Undergoing A Coaching Camp. The Final Team Would Be Announced Shortly.

Tahir Ahmad Ghulam

Position: Stopper Back

Age: 19

Teams Played: Kashmir Mughals, Maharaja Sports, Food and Supplies

Current Team: Food and Supplies

Tahir started his career after passing matriculation examination and without having any football background. His place in the JK Santosh Trophy squad speaks about his talent. He has not represented the state in any school national event but in junior tournaments organized by All India Football Federation. He played two under-16 level tournaments held at Uttranchal and Jammu. In Uttranchal, JK won the tile and qualified for the super league, which was held in Goa. In under-19 level tournaments, he has represented state once in Pune, Maharashtra.Last year Tahir along with two other players from J&K, Taufeeq and Rohit were selected for under-21 India team trials. 300 players from all over the India were selected for the trials. In first shortlist, which comprised of 40-players Tahir found place, but in second shortlist, which was of 30 players he was dropped. He has also represented the state in under-21 national tournament last year in Tamil Nadu. His experience of playing in Tamil Nadu just last year will help him to give his best for the state in Santosh Trophy.“As I’ve played last year in Tamil Nadu, experience would help me as well as the team,” Tahir told Greater Kashmir.In the league tournaments, Tahir started his stint with B-division club Kashmir Mughals and within short period was selected by Super-division club Maharaja Sports. After showing his class with Maharaja Sports in super division, he was recruited by Food and Supplies.Experts say that Tahir has got material of a good defender. He is tall, has got good physique, which are the essential part of defenders. The most important feature of Tahir’s game is his cool and calm nature. He never loses cool in tense situations. His temperament makes him special among all the defenders that JK has got and being young he can serve state football for years to come. About his and team’s performance in Santosh Trophy, he said, “I hope I would be selected for the final squad on May 17. J&K Football Association has taken bold step by selecting youngsters like me for the Santosh trophy. We will give our best to win the coveted trophy,” he hoped.


Apeared in Greater Kashmir on May 13 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=13_5_2009&ItemID=10&cat=4

Marcos starts football academy at Bakshi Stadium

Srinagar, May 11: The International Sports Academy Trust (ISAT) football academy run by Brazilian football coach Juan Marcos commenced its activities at the Bakshi Stadium from Monday.J&K Football Association, President Zamir Ahmad Thakur inaugurated the academy with former footballers, JKFA officials and number of young footballers present on the occasion. J&K State Sports Council last month permitted Marcos to run activities of his academy in the Bakshi Stadium.ISAT Spain representative Bruce Sider was the chief guest on the occasion and JKFA presented him special memento for supporting the development of football activities in valley.Giving details about the academy and his plans for the development of valley’s football Marcos said, “I have come to valley for the development of football. I first started giving training at Polo Ground and then moved on to Amar Singh College and now I have got best place to impart training to young kids. Without support of JKFA and Sports Council I won’t have thought of starting the activities in stadium.”“The stadium is an ideal place for running the academy. Here we have got well maintained field, changing rooms, space for keeping equipments,” he said.About 150 boys in the age group of 8 to 16 years have registered for getting training in the academy. Marcos has selected 12 players for getting training in Malaga, Spain and among those he will send four this year and four next year.“This is an ambitious project whereby valley players will be trained in Spain. I will be sending the first group of four players there in September this year and another four in 2010,” he said.Marcos is running his activities in collaboration with J&K Football Association and it was because of JKFA efforts that Sports Council permitted him to run the academy in Bakshi Stadium.

Apeared in Greater Kashmir on May 12 : http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=12_5_2009&ItemID=20&cat=4

‘Experience we lack, talent we have’

HERE IS PROFILE OF ONE OF THE SHORTLISTED PLAYER:

SHAHNAWAZ BASHIR WANI

AGE: 21

POSITION: MIDFIELD

TEAMS: YOUNG MAHARAJA, JK FOREST, JK BANK

CURRENT TEAM: JK BANK

With 63rd Santosh Trophy scheduled to be held in Tamil Nadu from May 23, JK team has been shortlisted and is presently undergoing a coaching camp. The final team would be announced shortly.If football pundits say JK football has bright future, young players like Shahnawaz Bashir are the reason for it. He started his career at the age of 14, under the guidance of veteran football coach, Muhammad Abdullah. Shahnawaz is currently reckoned as one of the most talented footballers of the valley. At the age of 21, he plays for JK Bank football team. “I started playing at the age of 14. After four-years I played for Young Maharaja in the league tournaments,” Shahnawaz said. Within one year of starting playing in the league tournaments, Shahnawaz caught attention of managers and coaches of departmental teams. JK Forest did not waste time and recruited him. He played for Forest team for three years. In many classic and memorable clashes against the teams like JK Bank and JKSRTC, Shahnawaz gave his heart out and mesmerized football lover with quality play. His hard work and skill earned him place in JK Bank team this year. Shahnawaz has represented the state in national events from under-14 level. He represented state first in under-14 school national at Jammu in which JK qualified their pool. He was part of JK team in two Subroto Mukherjee School national tournaments. In that event he helped his team to qualify for quarterfinal. The most important role Shahnawaz played was in helping JK under-16 team to lift All Indian Football Federation under-16 football title. JK won it first time ever and Shahnawaz played important role. At under-19 level Shahnawaz has represented state on three occasions. Two times in school national tournaments and once in AIFF organized event. In all the events his and teams performance was satisfactory. Last year, he also represented Kashmir University in inter-university tournament at Gadwal University. In that event KU was able to qualify for quarterfinal stage. In 2008, Shahnawaz was selected by CL Bokaro Football Academy, Jharkhand but due to personal reasons he couldn’t join. Shahnawaz is a gifted player and has good physique. His dribbling skills make him special player in any team. In important matches, he plays his heart out and on most occasions’ scores important goals. On his selection in JK Santosh Trophy team, Shahnawaz is happy. “If we play like a team, we’ll be able to qualify for next round. Yes, experience matters but as all players are young and new in the team it helps in playing like a unit,” he said. About his performance, he says, “As it will be my debut Santosh trophy event, I’ll give my best. We have been placed in pool with Pudicherry, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram, I think among only Mizoram will be tough to beat.”

Apeared in Greater Kashmir on May 11: http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=11_5_2009&ItemID=6&cat=4

Don’t expect miracles from JK team: Coach

Srinagar, May 9: A day after he was appointed as coach of JK Santosh Trophy squad, Intikhab Aalam Saturday said that nobody should expect miracles from the team in the coveted event.“Most of the players in the squad are new faces and are inexperienced. Out of last year’s Santosh trophy squad, only two or three players are in the team and for rest the tournament will be a new experience,” he said.Aalam who is chief coach of JK Police team said that he was appointed at last moment and there is short time left for preparations.“I don’t expect miracles from the team and I suggest football fans of the Valley to stay calm. In eight days no coach can prepare a team and I’m no different. Players are talented, but lack exposure and experience for Santosh Trophy,” he said.Appreciating J&K Football Association for picking young talented faces in the squad, he said, “I appreciate JKFA for taking such a bold step, but they should have selected this team two months before.”“I’ll try to bring best out of the team. I’ve told the players not to keep anything in mind and play natural game. If they play with free mind, we will be able to achieve something,” he hoped. JK has been kept in Cluster III along with Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh and Pudicherry and they will play their all group matches at St Joseph College, Tiruchirappalli. In first match, they will lock horns with Madhya Pradesh on May 24 while on May 26 they will take on Pudicherry. In their last group match, JK will be against Mizoram.

Apeared in Greater Kashmir on May 10: http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=10_5_2009&ItemID=14&cat=4