Thanks To CRPF, Two Footballers From Kashmir Are Going To Play In Spanish League

Two young boys hailing from the valleys of Kashmir are set to embark on their life-long dream. Basit Ahmed and Mohammed Asrar Rehbar have been signed on by a third division professional Spanish club, Sociedad Deportiva Lenense Proinastur. In the process the duo will become the first from the valley to feature in a prestigious European league.

A special committee was formed by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to scout footballing talent across the Kashmir Valley in a bid to engage the youth of the war mongered region. A contract had been signed between the foreign club and the paramilitary force as art of the talent drive it undertook. Ahmed and Rehbar, both of whom are only 18 year old, have been chosen by this committee.

Speaking to the PTI, a senior official said, “The club has agreed to take on contract the two players in the January window. This is the first time that any Indian player will be playing for the Spanish club.”

While Ahmed is a daunting centre-forward, Rehbar is an attacking winger. Both have garnered experience playing in the different tournaments across the country. Both Ahmed and Rehbar has featured in the junior nationals, with the latter even featuring in the Santosh trophy and the Durand Cup.

After a series of gruelling trial sessions organised by the CRPF committee in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir football club, the duo was chosen amongst the hundreds vying for selection. As per the terms of contract signed by the CRPF with the Spanish club, all expenses of the two youngsters will be paid by the club itself.