‘Team has good mixture of young, senior players’

WASEEM YOUSUF

Age: 20

Position: Mid Field

Teams played: Makhdoomia Sports, Maharaja Sports, JK Forest and JK Bank

Employer Team: JK Bank

Waseem inherited football from his father Muhammad Yousuf Makhdoomi who was a well-known footballer of his times. Waseem was imparted basic coaching by his father. He started playing professional football from Makhdoomia Sports Club and within no time attracted attention of big clubs of the valley. Super Division league side, Maharaja Sports, selected Waseem and he impressed every one with his skills. In premier league, he was selected by one of the top football sides of the valley, JK Forest team. Playing for JK Forest, within and outside state, Waseem finally joined JK Bank this year.Waseem first represented state in 47th national school games in 2000-01 at West Bengal. In Subroto Mukherjee Cup he has represented state twice in 2002 and 2003.After that he represented state in two school national games in 2004 and 2005 in Bangalore and Srinagar. He also represented state in 41st junior national championship. He has twice represented Kashmir University in inter-university football tournaments.Waseem was trained in Sports Authority of India academy for a year. Apart for junior and school national, he has played in various national level tournaments with JK Forest and JK Bank.Experts count Waseem as highly talented player and say and in coming years he will be reckoned among the top footballers of the state. Currently he is in his best form and that can prove beneficial for JK team.The only negative about him is that he quickly diverts his attention from the game, otherwise he has all the abilities, which a midfielder should possess, experts say.About JK team’s chances in upcoming Santosh Trophy, he said, “I’m hopeful we would put a good show as the team has a good mixture of young and senior players. We had a nice practice at the coaching camp.”

Apeared In Greater Kashmir on May 18 -2009-http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=18_5_2009&ItemID=5&cat=4

‘I’m optimistic Team would do better’

TAUFEEQ AHMAD DAR

Age: 20

Position: Striker

Teams : Maharaja Sports, JK Forest and JK Bank

Employer team: JK Bank

If in coming years, Kashmir’s football touches heights, players like Taufeeq will have to play an important role. Former players term Taufeeq as future poster boy of JK football. Taufeeq came on to the football scene from his school. He has played two under-16 national championships in Uttranchal and Jammu. In Uttranchal national, J&K was the winner and Taufeeq was inspirational for his team. He was top scorer. In Jammu national, he played only two matches and scored six goals. Due to injury, he had to sit out of the remaining matches. During the tournament, he was selected for north zone team, but due to injury couldn’t participate. In under-16 age group, he was selected for the Indian camp trial, but due to the blockade of Srinagar-Jammu highway he was not able to attend. At under-19 level, he has participated in two national championships, held at Banaras and Punjab. In Banaras national, Taufeeq scored three goals and helped his team to reach to semifinal and in following national at Punjab, Taufeeq led the JK team. Like a true leader, he again showed brilliant performance and scored three goals. This time again like previous national, JK lost in semifinal to Punjab.In under-21 national championship, Taufeeq has represented state once. He was also selected for under-19 Indian camp and was among the 30 probable. But in the final list he was not included.Taufeeq started his career in league football from Maharaja Sports. His performance was brilliant for the Club and later JK Forest selected him and for two years he was an integral part of the team. If JK Forest is currently among the top teams, Taufeeq has played a crucial part. Seeing his contribution towards Forest team, JK Bank recruited him this year.Taufeeq made Santosh Trophy debut last year. He played well in the matches in which he was given chance.Experts have high opinion about Taufeeq. They say as a player he has almost all the qualities, which a striker needs. He has sound physique, good ball control, fitness level, presence of mind and the scoring ability. Taufeeq has also got a surprising element, which makes him more dangerous for opposite teams. Experts believe that Taufeeq can turn out star performer for the team in the tournament.About JK team’s chances in upcoming Santosh Trophy, he said, “Last year was debut for me and I got a few chances to play. This year, I’m hopeful I’ll get better chances. The team comprises of talented players and I’m optimistic we would do better.”

Apeared In Greater Kashmir on May 18 : http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=18_5_2009&ItemID=6&cat=4

JK squad for Santosh Trophy announced

Imran Rafique Appointed Captain, Vikram Jeet Vice-Captain

GK NEWS NETWORK
Srinagar, May 17: The J&K Football Association on Sunday announced the final list of 20- players for the Santosh Trophy, which would be held in Tamil Nadu from May 23.The JK team comprise of two goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders and four forwards. Imran Rafique was appointed as captain. The team comprises of youngsters with a mix of three highly experienced players: Ishfaq Ahmad, Vikram Jeet and Imran.In the forward, team will be led by Valley’s international footballer, Ishfaq Ahmad. But he will join the team from second match. The other three forwards include Zubair Ahmad of JK Bank, Altaf Ahmad of Maharaja Sports and Taufeeq Ahmad of JK Bank.The strength of team lies in midfield as it comprise of highly talented players like Tameem Ahmad of Iqbal Sports, Shahnawaz of JK Bank, Gulzar Ahmad of JK Police, Satwinder Singh of JK Bank, Arun Pal Singh of Engineers club, Khalid Qayoom and Wasim Yousuf both of JK Bank.The defence of JK team will be led by skipper Imran Rafique of JK Bank and comprises of Hasib of JK Bank, Ashiq Mushtaq of JK Forest, Sameer Ahmad of JK Forest, Tahir Ghulam of Food and Supplies, Danny Bhurat of Churchill Brothers and Mansoor Ahmad of HAL Bangalore.Two goalkeepers are vice-captain, Vikram Jeet Singh and Irshad Ali of JK Forest. JK Police team chief coach, Intikhab Aalam, will coach the team while, as BA Basharat will be manager. Dr Ashiq Hussain will be physiotherapist of team.The selection panel comprised former international footballer, Muhammad Shafi Nari, Zahoor Ahmad Khan and Intikhab Aalam.The 63rd Santosh Trophy would be held in Tamil Nadu from May 23 and 31 teams from across India would participate. JK team would leave from the Valley on May 19.After the selection list was out, the JKFA resident secretary, Prof Bashir said, “All the player was given equal chance. As most of the players in trial were new they were disciplined and gave their best.”About the chances of the team to win the coveted event, he said, “Team comprise of young talented players and we hope for the best.”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 in May 18 : http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=18_5_2009&ItemID=7&cat=4

’Goal machine’ can play major role for JK team in Santosh Trophy

GK NEWS NETWORK

With just 7-days left for 63rd edition of Santosh Trophy, J&K Team is practicing hard in a coaching camp at Srinagar. The final team would be announced on May 17 and they would leave for Tamil Nadu next day.

ZUBAIR AHMAD

Age: 19

Position: Striker

Teams played: AS Academy, Solina Sports, Mohun Bagan Academy, JK Police, JK Bank

Employer Team: JK Police

At young age, Zubair is not a new face in JK football as he has achieved lot of success. He started his career with Amar Singh Club Academy where from he moved to Solina Club. He mesmerized football fans of the valley with his skills. He shortly attracted attention of teams and selectors. He was recruited by the JK Police and in 2007 and 2008, he was Police team’s goal machine. If JK Police dominated the football arena of the valley in 2007 and 2008, credit goes to Zubair. Seeing his talent, JK Bank selected Zubair in 2009. He last year was part of JK Santosh Trophy squad and was able to score two goals in the tournament. In his first school national game, he scored six goals for the state and was also selected for the school national India trial. In the proceeding school national games, he scored four goals and in under-19 school games, he scored one goal. In the prestigious Subroto Mukherjee Cup, he was instrumental and scored four goals. As for sub junior a national championship is concerned, he has represented state on two occasions and in junior national championship as well. In under-21 national championship he has represented state on one occasion. Zubair was also selected for the Mohun Bagan Academy, but he was not able to stay for long due to health reasons. Experts term Zubair as future of JK football. They say that at young age he is among the top strikers of the Valley and can play a major role for JK team in the upcoming Santosh Trophy.. He has got good ball control and dribbling skills. He has lot of confidence and is naturally gifted striker. Like all the big strikers, he is the man who always remains at right place at right moment. The only thing he needs to improve is his physique and left moment otherwise there is no striker better than him currently in the Valley, experts say. About the chances of JK team in upcoming Santosh Trophy, he said, “We are a young and talented team and have high hopes of doing well in the event. Though I represented JK team last year, playing outside state is different. Last year we played in front our own people, who supported us. This year support would be almost nil. We have to play as a team, if we have to win the coveted event.”

Apeared in May 17 : http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=17_5_2009&ItemID=8&cat=4

Improve sports infrastructure in Valley: Wadoo

Srinagar, May 16: The International footballer of the Valley, Mehraj-ud-Din Wadoo, Saturday said he was keen to promote the sports activities in Kashmir. Speaking at the prize distribution function of state arm-wrestling championship at Islamia College, he said, “I’m a footballer, but I want to promote other games also. I know about arm wrestling through movies and had not imagined that it is being played in the Valley.” Wadoo stressed on need of upgrading the sports infrastructure and facilities in the valley. “J&K Government needs to upgrade infrastructure and facilities for sports. There is an urgent need to give special attention towards sports and it is only after that our players can shine at national level,” he said.

Apeared In Greater Kashmir on May 17 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=17_5_2009&ItemID=6&cat=4

Imran lifts champion of champions’ title

State Arm Wrestling Championship

GK NEWS NETWORK
Srinagar, May 16: Imran of Rich Life Health Club Bemina continued dominance in the arm wrestling arena of the state by lifting his second consecutive champion of champion’s title at Islamia College here on Saturday. To watch the matches on concluding day, large number of spectators had thronged the venue. The day began with remaining bouts of under-70 kilogram category in which there were eight arm-wrestlers. After quarterfinal bouts, first semifinal was played between Mudasir Qayoom of Body Care and Waseem Wahab of Islamia College in which Waseem emerged winner. In second semifinal, Suhail of Fort City Sports Club defeated Amir of Islamia College. Waseem Wahab after a tough and time consuming fight defeated Suhail in final and bagged gold medal. Mudasir Qayoom won bronze. After-70 kilogram category it was turn of last individual weight category matches. In that 38 arm wrestlers participated. After the tough and close competitions that stretched nearly for one and half hour, Younis of Heavy-Duty and Majaz of City Barbell Gym booked place for the final. In final, Younis defeated Majaz. In the fight both the wrestlers injured their arms. Due to injury, Younis was not even able to receive his medal and trophy. Imityaz of Hussaini Public School bagged Bronze medal. In the champion of champions competition, winner of each weight category compete between each other. In final of champion of champions’ bout, Imran was against Waseem Wahab. The match was best of three. In first bout, Imran easily pinned Waseem but in second bout Waseem showed resistance. In the end the experience paid off as he wasted the energy of Waseem and did not exert much of power. Seeing Waseem loosing, Imran the top technique in pinning him. As soon as he pinned Waseem, his supporters jumped on to the stage and took him on shoulders. Principal Islamia College, Dr Saleem Khan, was chief guest on the occasion while international footballer of the Valley, Mehraj-ud-Din Wadoo, was guest of honour. They distributed prizes among the winners. Speaking on the occasion Dr Saleem said, “It is great to see our youth participating in different sporting disciplines. Our College has always been on forefront to promote sports. We have kept our doors open for every one for organizing any event.” About the arm-wrestling, he said, “I’m sure that the game has bright future ahead in the Valley.” Earlier on Friday in under-52 category Fahadullah, Faizan and Atif Feroz of Linton Hall bagged first, second and third positions respectively. In under-57 kilogram category, Syed Qaiser of Muscle Mania gym, Zubair of Rich Life Bemina and Ayas of Linton Hall bagged first, second third positions respectively. In 86-kilogram category, Abdul Qayoom of Body Top gym, Faizan of Green Valley and Mehran of Green Valley bagged first, second and third positions respectively. In under-105 kilogram, Arsalan Wani, Zaid Bin Reyaz and Sajid Majid of Green Valley won first, second and third prizes respectively. In under-95 kilogram category, Hilal Ahmad of Body Fuel gym Ganderbal outclassed Minal of Green Valley. In under-78 kilogram category, Imran, Umar Iqbal of Islamia College and Ajaz of Rich Life gym bagged first three positions respectively. The first two positions holders in each category would be representing state in national arm wrestling championship to be held in Srinagar next month.

Apeared in greater on May 17 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=17_5_2009&ItemID=7&cat=4

Green Valley, Linton Hall dominate arm wrestling event

GK NEWS NETWORK
Srinagar, May 15: The arm wrestlers of Green Valley Education Institute and Linton Hall School dominated the first day of competition in the state arm wrestling championship at Islamia College, here on Friday. The competition kicked off with under-52 bouts. In that category, first three positions went to arm wrestlers of Linton Hall. Fahadullah bagged Gold while Faizan and Atif Feroz bagged Silver and Bronze medals respectively. In under-57 kilogram category 16 arm wrestlers participated. After hard fought battle, Syed Qaiser of Muscle Mania gym defeated Zubair of Rish Life Bemina in the final bout. Third place went to Ayas of Linton Hall. In heavyweight category final bout, finalists Abdul Qayoom of Body Top gym and Faizan of Green Valley exchanged heated words. The bout stretched for seven minutes in which athletes tried their best. In the end, Qayoom emerged winner. After the bout was over, both the athletes hugged each other showing sign of sportsmanship. Mehran of Green Valley bagged third place. In under-105 kilogram category, the heaviest weight category, there were only three competitors. Arsalan Wani of Green Valley gave no chance to his opponents and bagged first prize. Zaid Bin Reyaz and Sajid Majid of same School bagged seconds and third places respectively. In under-95 kilogram category there were only two competitors. In the bout Hilal Ahmad of Body Fuel gym Ganderbal outclassed Minal of Green Valley. In under-78 category, which is reckoned as toughest category of arm wrestling event, as all champions fall in the same category. Last year’s champion of champions, Imran of Rich Life Bemina bagged first place by pinning hand of Umar Iqbal of Islamia College. Ajaz of Rich Life gym bagged third place by defeating Majid of same club in the match played for third and fourth place. In under-70 kilogram category, Amir of Natipora, Salman of Green Valley, Suhail of Fort City Club, Feroz Dar of Islamia College, Mudasir Qayoom of Body Care gym, Mudasir of DPS and Qamran Nisar of Kashmir University booked their places for third round. Special competitions of sub-junior 35-kilogram category were also held. Backed by huge support from the spectators, little competitors gave out their best. Muhammad Muzamil Salmani, Muhammad Rafeeq Wani and Junaid Khan all from Government Middle School Kalamdan Pora bagged first, second and third positions respectively. The competitions of under-63 category in which 35 competitors are participating would be held on Saturday at 10 am. The remaining bouts of under-70 category and champion of champions would also be held on Saturday.

Apeared In Greater Kashmir On May 16http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=16_5_2009&ItemID=7&cat=4