Deccan Chronicle

‘Kash’ing in on FERVOUR

FOOTBALL IS WHAT KEEPS KASHMIRI ISHFAQ AHMED INSPIRED. AND WHEN HE IS NOT ON FIELD, WHICH IS RARELY, HE TAKES TIME TO SKI, TREK AND PRAY FOR A SAFE KASHMIR

- IRFAN HAJI

In the ’90s when everybody was running for cover in strife-hit Kashmir, Ishfaq Ahmed knew only two places where he could find solace besides home. He did not mind the closing of school due to strikes and curfews as it would give him enough time to play in the nearby SP College ground and Polo Ground.

The now 31-year-old footballer from Srinagar has risen through the ranks and achieved more than he ever imagined. He is the only footballer from Kashmir in the current generation along with Mehrajuddi­n Wadoo who has played for India, top I-League clubs and in the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League.

“The year 1990 was the most difficult for Kashmir and our locality in Srinagar (Barbar Shah) was also affected. But, we are lucky to have two grounds close by. We thronged to it after school and occupied it the whole day during holidays,” he said.

Ishfaq feels it was the sports culture in their locality that kept them engaged in football and cricket.

“There was a positive sports culture in our locality and everybody played football and cricket. We did not mind escaping for cover during firing or blast incidents. We didn’t mind parading on the ground during crackdowns and curfews. Our family was worried about us, but it all became part of our enjoyment,” he said, recollecti­ng his childhood.

The experience­d left-winger, however, never thought he would come this far — until he landed a contract with the I-League Club, Hindustan Aeronautic­s Ltd, Bengaluru.

“Coming from a simple middle class family, I didn’t know were I was heading... I was just playing football and cricket for fun. I played in school nationals, then represente­d the state at the U-21 level. I got many offers but I decided to settle for HAL. I also played India U-23 and was also part of the senior squad. I left cricket to concentrat­e more on football,” said Ahmed.

Wearing national colours and playing for top I-League clubs like Dempo SC, East Bengal, Salgaocar SC, Mohun Bagan followed soon after. “Winning the league with Dempo was a memorable moment. We won it two times and also the Federation Cup,” he said.

Ishfaq represente­d the Sachin Tendulkar-owned Kerala Blasters in the inaugural Indian Super League (they were the runners-up). “ISL was an amazing experience. It was a dream to play with the likes of Alessandro Del Piero. I am an Arsenal fan so meeting Robert Pires was amazing. Our manager-cum-player David James helped me a lot. He was all praise

and considered Sandesh Jhingan and I as talented footballer­s,” he said.

His stunning goal in the first leg of semi-final lifted the Blasters, who scored a shocking 3-0 win over favourites Chennaiyin FC. Ishfaq couldn’t control himself and celebrated in true footie fashion — removing his jersey! “Above 60,000 supporters and the atmosphere spruced me up. Football ‘culture’ was there. It brought out the best in me and I could not hold back my emotions. It was one of the best moments of my life,” he said.

Prior to his heroics in ISL, Ahmed — like other Kashmiris — had to counter the devastatin­g floods in his home state in September last year. “We experience­d the Might of God. I learnt how precious life is... We were completely disconnect­ed from the rest of the world for over a week. All the while without caring for scarcity of water and food we were hoping for good news and praying for safety,” he said.

The veteran midfielder has now joined I-League club Pune FC on loan and will be a valuable addition to coach Karim Bencherifa’s side. He has already played under Bencherifa in Salgaocar and Mohun Bagan.

“I know Ishfaq very well and for a long time. He is a good player and also a good human being. He played under me at Mohun Bagan and Salgaocar FC where we have won trophies. He is not only an experience­d player who works very hard on the field, but also a utility player who can play in various positions,”

— KARIM BENCHERIFA, PUNE FC HEAD COACH

 ??  ?? Ishfaq Ahmed
Ishfaq Ahmed
 ??  ?? A file photograph of Ishfaq in action
A file photograph of Ishfaq in action

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