A New Chapter for Srinagar Football: U16 Men’s National Camp Lands in the Valley
Srinagar makes football history as it hosts the U16 Men’s National Camp, in the third week of July.
Srinagar is set to hosts its first-ever National Camp, adding to the city’s successful track record of hosting prestigious football events such as the Santosh Trophy, Federation Cup, and Hero I-League matches.
Under Coach Ishfaq Ahmed’s leadership, the U-16 men’s team gears up for the SAFF U-16 Championship in Bhutan. His experience as a former international player and captain will be instrumental in shaping the young talents for success in the tournament.
“As part of our Vision 2047 to take the game to the newest geographies in India, having first-ever national team coaching camp in Srinagar will surely have a huge impact on local football in Jammu and Kashmir. I have no doubt that the youth of the Valley will be further encouraged to be part of football and we can easily expect more talents to emerge from J&K to play at a higher level in India.”
-Speaking on the development, the All India Football Federation Secretary General, Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran said
Dr. Prabhakaran expressed deep gratitude to the J&K administration, particularly the Sports Council, for their unwavering support in hosting the India U16 team coaching camp in Srinagar. “I also take this opportunity to express our gratitude and thanks to the J&K administration for hosting our India U16 team coaching camp in Srinagar.”
Mr. Sarmad Hafeez, IAS and Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Department J&K said that The J&K administration expresses great honor in hosting the India national U-16 boys team coaching camp in Srinagar. This event will provide football enthusiasts in J&K with the opportunity to witness the presence of India’s National Team youth players, serving as a tremendous source of motivation for local youth. The administration expects this significant event to encourage and contribute to the growth of football in the region.
“The hosting of the U-16 camp in Srinagar is a unique move for many reasons. First, we never had an opportunity to hold a National Camp and it is also a fulfilment of the promise by our President Mr. Kalyan Chaubey and Secretary General Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, to make the game a pan-India affair. With the Government of J&K providing so much support for the camp, I will do my best to see India emerge champions in the SAFF U-16 tournament.”
-The Head Coach of the U-16 team, Ishfaq Ahmed, said
AIFF experts, including Head Coach Ishfaq Ahmed and former international Mr. Harjinder Singh, meticulously scouted and selected 52 talented individuals from five zones who will take part in the camp. The decision to hold the camp in Srinagar stems from the intention to recreate the weather conditions experienced in Bhutan, thus ensuring the team’s smooth acclimatization and optimal performance.
