KASHMIRI FOOTBALLERS SHINE IN KOLKATA

They outperformed at least 50 top players from different states of India in the selection trials to confirm their berth in the SAIL Football Academy at Kolkata. Three budding soccer players -Sahbar Nabi, Feroze Ahmad Bhat and Imaan Bhat – from valley are among five out of 50 contenders from India who made it to the academy.
Playing with the local clubs of the valley they had never thought of rubbing shoulders with the top young players who occasionally represent U-17 soccer team for India.
Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA) played an instrumental role in facilitating the selection trials for the trio for the SAIL football academy. After spending three months with the leading football academy in the football hub of India, Kolkata, the footballers feels they a proud lot.
“The berth in the football academy has proved the turning point of our career. Now we are hopeful of our bright future in football,” they said who are back on vacation.
After playing with the professional footballers, the young soccer players have realized their potential which according to them would take them to higher standards of the football.
“It was unbelievable to play with the top footballers of India at this age. I will work hard to break into the Indian squad. We have talent which we could not realize earlier,” said Sahbar Nabi.
His friend, Feroze seconds Nabi’s aspirations saying their dreams can come true and “we will touch new heights”.
“We have played with many local clubs here in Kashmir. We worked hard but that would not have given us chance to play with the top players. Our state needs the football academies badly which can improve the standard of the football,” said Feroze.
They players said they are under the tutelage of top Indian coaches.
“It is a great privilege to be under the supervision of top qualified coaches. We have learnt a lot which would help us move ahead in our football career,” said he.
“They lay more importance on physical fitness and also inform us about various game plannings and strategies. “After every match, the coaches and players sit together and discuss all the flaws that we may undergo in the game and try to work on them,” he added.
While as Imaan Bhat-the third footballer who is now part of the SAIL football academy-was overwhelmed with the sports infrastructure besides other facilities at academy.
“SAIL academy has everything of its own to chisel the young talent into a professional footballer who can later represent India.” said Imaan.
The trio is looking forward to get berth into the final squad of the academy for the upcoming Kolkutta league and other mega tournaments.
“This would be the toughest time for us so far in the academy. Now, we have to display our mettle by registering berth in team. Right now, berth in the team for league is our main focus,” they said.
According to them they have to compete in All India Trials with the most professional players of the nation.
The trio praised the efforts of FPWA for giving them platform to display their mettle at national level.
“We feel like we are ambassadors from Kashmir. FPWA made it possible for us and we got chance to realize our long term dreams,” they said.
The trio expressed their grief for poor situation of football in the valley, they said, “the football scenario of Kashmir is very poor, we lack academies like SAIL to hone talent at grass root level.”
They also thanked President FPWA Mehraj-ud-din Wadoo and Vice President Sajid Dar for lending supportive hand to local talent.
Meanwhile the Vice President Sajid Dar said their stay in SAIL is an achievement for Kashmir and also for FPWA.
“They are future assets of our state and the country also. FPWA seeks to facilitate talented footballers of the state join leading football academies of India,” said Dar adding, this is contribution from FPWA towards the football in Valley.

4 Kashmiri footballers join SFA

Living up to the expectations of the soccer players in the Valley, Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA) which came into being in 2009, has facilitated four budding soccer players of the Valley to join Steel Authority Indian Limited Football Academy (SFA), Bakoro. FPWA had arranged six players for the selection trials out which four were selected.
After much deliberation with the SFA, President FPWA, Mehraj-ud-din Wadoo had arranged the selection trials for the six Valley boys.
Sehbar Nabi of Iqbal Sports, Feroze Ahmad of Food and Supplies football team and Aiman of Novelty Sports were selected in U19 category while as Liyaqat Gul of Young Iqbal has been selected in U16 category.
The six players from valley had participated in trials on January 27and January 28.
Sehbar Nabi, Feroz Ahmad and Aiman have joined the academy on Friday. However, Liyaqat Gul will join the academy next year.
The selected players will be provided all facilities including boarding, lodging and education and the pocket money by the academy for one year.
General Secretary FPWA, Dr Zahoor Haroon, while confirming the selection of the four players said that the selection of the players is part of the football welfare program by FPWA.
“FPWA endeavors to promote football in the step and sending youg players to the top football academies is a step in this direction,” said Dr Harroon.
“It would have been impossible without the efforts of Mehraj-Ud-Din Wadoo,” he added.
Joint Secretary FPWA, Hilal Ahmad Parry, said that they were bound to send the budding soccer players to the football academies out side the State due to lack of facilities here.
“The players would get round the clock upbringing in the academy besides making career in soccer. We don’t have this system here,” said Parray.
Notably, another young soccer player, Mohammad Danish, is expected to join other academy in March.
SAIL football academy trains youths from poor and middle class families. And its alumni are now playing for top clubs of the country such as Mohan Bagan, Chirag United, Mohammedan Sporting, Air India, Tollygunj, Dempo, Indian Army and BSF.
The youngsters are not only coached by international players and trainers from National Institute of Sports, Patiala, they also get a chance to study at state-run schools

UNFEDERATION CUP FOR J&K BANK..coach players of j&k bank at loggerheads

The Internal bickering in premier football team of J&K state, JK Bank has resurfaced and after returning from Federation Cup campaign some of the players and chief coach are at logger heads.
JK Bank performed brilliantly in Federation Cup-qualifiers and were just one win away from creating history by becoming first team to play in main round of prestigious Federation Cup. In the only match lost in their campaign they were defeated by mighty Muhammedan Sporting Club Kolkatta by a solitary goal. Before that team won all the qualifying matches in which they played.
For the superb all round performance players and team were hailed by all the footballers’ lovers of state and they deserved that.
At the end of their last match against Muhammedan Sporting Club Kolkatta which team lost by one goal, coach Abdul Majeed Kakroo in a comment given to local Urdu daily Kashmir Uzma blamed four players for the defeat. He had said that it is only because of the worst performance of those four players that team failed to qualify.
According to sources upon reaching back to Jammu when players heard about the comment made by coach about them they exchanged heated words with coach.
“Players were shocked to know that coach has blamed them for the defeat. They couldn’t believe it; despite putting in such a brilliant performance in the campaign coach has pointed out them for just one defeat. They had no expectations from the coach who himself have played at international level, even captained Indian team” sources said.
“The players in anger went straight to coach and asked him about the reason why he blamed them. Both parties exchanged heated words between them. The players were asking coach to explain how he can give such a irresponsible statement” sources added.
The sources revealed that matter came to the notice of JK Bank Sports Board officials and they asked manager of the team to give details of matter.
“The manager gave full details to sports board and after getting details Sports Board asked to manager to temporarily bar players and chief coach from taking part in practice session till final decision would be taken. The sports board meeting was scheduled to be held few days back but due to non-availability of some sports board officials could not be held” sources said.
When contacted team manager, Zahoor Ahmad Teli denied that there is any internal bickering going on in the team.
He said, “I don’t know where from these stories come up. There is no rift in team and all players and chief coach are taking part in practice sessions daily. In coming days we will be participating in Christians Gold football tournament, you will see all players playing in that.” but whatever manager had to say the internal bickering came out as true as the four players were missing in the team’s match of Christians Gold Cup against JK Police-B on Tuesday played at Jammu.
His other clarification regarding absence of coach from practice sessions was himself contradicted by coach and former international footballer, Abdul Majeed Kakroo, he said said, “I am not attending practice due to health reasons. From last week or so I was not feeling well and opted to have rest for sometime from active work”.
He refused to comment on the feud between him and players over the comment he gave to news daily about player’s performance.
Sources said that internal bickering is nothing new in the team and it has been going on there from some time.
“Last year almost all the players formed group against coach and manager of team and even went on to ask JK Bank management for their removal. However the matter was amicably solved with the intervention of some former footballers of state. Though the matter was solved that time the internal bickering between some players and officials continued and statement of Chief Coach only highlighted that” Sources said.
Sources said that matter is now with Sports Board and it is they who will decide what action should be taken against players and coach.
When contacted General Secretary, JK Bank Sports Board, Muhammad Aslam refused to comment on the matter.
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FPAI

FPAI

Players of low-profile games not safe: FPWA

The 24-hour of detention of the Valley’s budding cricketers Parveez Rasool and Mehraj-ud-din in Banglore has stirred the sports fraternity fearing such harassments would discourage the players in the Valley.
Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA) on Monday said that the harassment of the Kashmiri sportspersons would deter budding sportspersons from taking part in active sports.
“Kashmiris are by default the targets for harassments but targeting sportspersons will have bad consequences on the psyche of the sportspersons. Despite disturbance here in the Valley, youth kept the sports spirit alive. Sports continued to flourish and youth loved sports but such incident will dampen their spirit,” said vice-president FPWA, Sajid Dar, addressing media persons here.
“Such incidents send bad signal and no parent will allow their children to move outside the state to play,” added Dar.
Speaking on the occasion general secretary FPWA, Dr Zahoor Haroon, said timely intervention of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association has ensured safe release of the cricketer.
He, however, said that the player of any other low profile game can feel secure as the other state associations are not as strong as JKCA.
“There are other associations that send single or few players outside the State for championships. If such incidents happen to them, their safe release is unlikely to be ensured,” said Dr Haroon.

FPWA Rehab center for injured soccer players

With no systematic rehabilitation program for injured sports persons in the State, many talented boys either lost interest in the sports or the injuries hampered their career badly.
To ensure that the career of the soccer players doesn’t get affected, Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA) has taken the bold initiative to cater to the injured players by facilitating them proper rehab.
In collaboration with Dr Ashai Physio Therapy, Fitness and Rehabilitation Center, FPWA has facilitated the rehabilitation of almost forty injured soccer players in two months since its establishment here in the State.“All most every injured player has recovered and some of them are under rehabilitation,” said Valley’s renowned Physio, Dr Ajaz Ashai.
Dr Ashai said the injured players were from leading clubs of the Valley.
“We don’t want to play with the career of the players. We give separate time to the players recommended by FPWA,” said Dr Ashai.
On why there were many injured players from leading clubs which have Physio’s, Dr Ashai cited lack of facilities as the main reason for their injuries.
“A team should have a fully equipped rehabilitation centre which the team Physio can utilize. The teams, here, have Physio’s but lack facilities. Injuries can’t be redressed fully without rehabilitation center,” said Dr Ashai.
As the players are not able to pay fee to Physio for his treatment, FPWA takes the responsibility of the injured player for his whole treatment.
FPWA charges a soccer player only Rs 200 as a monthly membership fee and takes the responsibility of his full rehabilitation.
“This is small amount as compared to the fee charged by any Physio. He charges nearly Rs 100 per visit. Now, players will not get discouraged if they pick up any injury. They can avail the facility rehabilitation in our clinic,” added the Physio.
Ironically, some of the talented players from leading clubs had to undergo surgery which cost them in thousands.
The SRTC football team defender, Sajad Ahmad Sheikh, had to take loan to the tune of Rs one lakh for his rehabilitation.
“I got disappointed as nobody helped me. I approached ministers for my rehabilitation but there was no response from them. I had to take loan,” said Sheikh.
Sheikh is now under rehabilitation at Dr Ashais physiotherapy center.
“I am recovering now. Had FPWA been established earlier, I would not have to take loan for rehabilitation,” said Sheikh.
Vice-president FPWA, Sajid Dar, said that the association is for the welfare of the players.
“Everybody is contributing here and helping their colleagues. The players need to be properly taken care of for their career. The system of rehabilitation gives players hope for prolonged career,” said Dar

Joseph’s coaching will help State football: FPWA

Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA) Wednesday expressed happiness over the arrival of AIFF's coaching director Gabriel Joseph here in Kashmir to train Valley’s football coaches in the Asian Football Confederation C license course. The AFC C license course will begin here from Friday. Jammu Kashmir Football Association is organizing the course under the banner of All India Football Federation.
“This is good news for all the soccer players. He has produced many coaches for the country and the candidates should take full advantage of the course under his guidance,” said vice-president FPWA, Sajid Dar.
Dar said that Joseph has all the abilities to mould the soccer players into good coaches.
“Joseph is a gentle and sober person. He has proved to be great instructor. The players will get benefited from this course,” said Dar.
Dar said he gained lot of knowledge under his training at Lucknow.
“I attended the AFC C license course in 2006 and gained lot of skills. He has great experience in coaching which will benefit the State players,” said Dar.
The vice-president praised Jammu JKFA for conducting this course.
“The credit goes to JKFA. This is the second time the association is conducting the course here. Such coaching course will lift the standard of the football in the State,” added Dar.
General Secretary FPWA, Dr Zahoor Haroon, also hailed the JKFA’s initiative of organizing coaching camp for the benefit of the State football.
“Our coaches will gain knowledge who will share that with their team mates. The teams will be benefited,” said Dr Zahoor.
Dr Zahoor said that such coaching camps should be conducted in the future also to further boost the State football.
The member of the FPWA said that they are thankful to Joseph for visiting the football crazy State for imparting knowledge.

FPWA gets nod of national parent body

Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA) has got the nod of its big boss for conducting more football promotional activities here in the State. Football Players Association of India (FPAI) has promised FPWA of their support in conducting activities to promote football here.
“FPAI has appreciated our cause to promote football. They have promised us of the support to help our cause to develop the football,” said president FPWA, Mehraj-ud-in Wadoo, over phone.
“We’ve received a letter from FPAI promising us to support in our future programs,” added Wadoo.
Wadoo said that during the off season of the football, FPWA will bring national players to Kashmir to promote the game.
“When they come, it will boast the game and encourage the players,” said president FPWA.
Wadoo said that FPAI is promoting football in the country and with their cooperation; FPWA will plan further programs for the welfare of footballers.
“We’ve good plans in hand to promote football. People in Kashmir are very keen to excel in football. They need help and guidance. We want to come up to their expectations,” said Wadoo

FPWA awards Rs 1000 to winning team

In order to boast the University soccer players and enhance their interest in soccer, Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA) gave away a cash prize of Rs 1000 to the winning team.
“FPWA decided to pay the cash prize to the winning team to reinforce the interest of students in football. Earlier, the winning teams would only get trophies which are not sufficient in the present competitive world,” said Sajid Dar, who also happens to the vice-president of the FPWA.
Dar said that the FPWA would also pay more such cash prizes in the future to help sportspersons.

FPWA to send 3 young footballers to Sail Academy

Moving ahead with their plans of develop the State football, Football Players Football Welfare Association (FPWA) will send three budding players to the Indian football hub-Kolkata-for four years. This was disclosed by Vice president FPWA, Sajid Yusuf Dar, on Wednesday.
FPWA has tied up with SAIL Football Academy for the football promotion program. We’ll send three players in U16 age category to this academy for four years. The player will be turned into professional footballers. The academy will look after their education during this time,” said Dar.
Dar said that president FPWA, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, had been in touch with SAIL Football Academy for this football promotion program.
“This is in our program to provide all possible help to the soccer players of the State. Wadoo has confirmed the place for three budding players with SAIL football academy,” said Dar.
Dar said that the players will be selected after selection trials and the names of the selected players will be given to the academy in the first week September.
FPEA has asked the interested players to register their names before the end of this month for the selection trials.
“The association is committed to uplift the standard of the soccer in the State. We’ll develop football at the grass root level to have outstanding future soccer players,” said Dar.

FPWA to facilitate free injury rehabilitation

In a bid to see the soccer players of the State without any injury during the matches, Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA) has decided arrange the free injury rehabilitation programmer for the injured players.
FPWA recently organized the fitness clinic session to aware the players of the importance of physical fitness and sports injury rehabilitation. The clinic was supervised by Physio Dr Ajaz Ashai.
We’ve tied up with Dr Ajaz Ashai whose team will examine the injured players free of cost,” said general secretary FPWA, Dr Zahoor Haroon.
Dr Haroon said that FPWA will bear all the expenses of the injured players. This facility is available only for member of FPWA.”
He said the players can become the members of the association after deposition Rs 200 as membership fee. For membership, the players can contact general secretary on 9419067898.
“The palyers will go for complete rehabilitation which may take them more than 10 days,” said Haroon

FPWA ORGANIZES FITNESS CLINIC

Gearing up with its programme for the welfare of the soccer players in the State, Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA) organized one day fitness clinic session at Biscoe School ground in which hundreds of players received the fitness tips from the Valley’s renowned Physio, Dr Ajaz Ashai.
This is the second such workshop organized by FPWA in which Dr Ashai educated the players different exercises for improving their physical fitness.
“This workshop is a part of our programmes for the upliftment of the standard of the football in the State and for the welfare of the soccer players,” said president FPWA and Indian football team member, Mehrajuddin Wadoo.
Wadoo, who after completion of his Barcelona, Spain ‘Exposure Trip’, came back to home only to attend this session. He arrived here on Saturday and will leave on Tuesday to join the Indian team.
“I came here to attend the workshop and interact with the State footballers and formulate our future programmes,” said Wadoo.
“The players got benefited by this workshop. They learnt many exercises which they didn’t know earlier. They desperately needed awareness regarding sports fitness and rehabilitation,” said he.
The four hour long session proved engrossing and the players worked out on different exercises passionately.
“They frequently made queries which speak volumes about their growing interest in sports fitness,” said Dr Ashai.
The Physio said that players need more awareness about the fitness for which more workshops should be organized. “Such programmes will help them raise their standard and prolong their career,” said he.
Dr Ashai praised FPWA for organizing such events here for the benefit of the local players. “Players are talented. We’ll see more players in the Indian team if the talent is utilized properly. Lack of physical fitness mars the talent,” said Dr Ashai.
He said players should not hesitate to seek suggestions from Physio on physical fitness.
“If the players have injuries, they should approach Physio.”
At the end of the session, some of the injured players were treated by the Physio.
Iqbal Sports striker, Tameem, was one of the injured players who was treated after he had developed neck strain in a match played against JK Police team at Polo Ground last week.
I was thinking to take complete rest for some days after developing sever neck strain. It is wonderful to see the relief in neck. Earlier, I wouldn’t allow others to touch my neck. Now I can play the match,” said the striker.
Former international footballer, Mohammad Yusuf Dar, former JK Football Association and Chairman of Iqbal Sports, Bashir Ahmad Malik, also attended the session besides other senior footballers and FPWA chief office bearers and members.

Footballers do more work but get less salary in kashmir.

Despite getting peanuts from their respective departments, football players are putting their heart and soul in playing for the pride of departmental teams in the Kashmir. Players in the departmental teams receive an amount of Rs 1300. If players put two years of service the salary inches up to 2000 only. Most of the players who come early in the morning to practice have more than two years of service.played nationals and have done well, yet they get nothing in return. At six in the morning all the football players from different football clubs converge to SP college ground, Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) ground and the Amar Sing college ground for practice.
Forest team, Maharaja Football Club, Young Maharaja Football Club, Young Lal Chowk, Iqbal Sports all play in the SP ground due to lack of grounds.The player are ready to hone their skills on the bumpy ground but feel dejected lot when they receive a paltry sum of Rs 1300 to 2000 in the governmental departments after one month.
With the successful conduct of the 62nd Santosh Trophy, football has regained the popularity and the grounds are busy with local footballers sweating it out in the morning and evening. However, if a player finds a space in the club, he doesn’t get what he deserves as per the needs.players can play professional football only when their needs are met. They need latest facilities in addition to handsome salary.National players who have been playing in the departmental teams for the last two year are receiving paltry Rs 2000.
They need support from sumone so that they may not feel dejected. They feel fatigued as if they are labouring without any return. Their performance doesn’t improve due to the insufficient salary and the lack of new facilities.

NO DREAM IS IMPOSSIBLE.

I started practicing soccer at a local ground in Rainawari and gradually paved my way to Iqbal Sports Club as a defender. Before landing in East Bengal FC and acting as a key component in the club's victories in several tournaments like Federation Cup, I played an essential role in enriching the spirits of teams like JK Police, JK Bank, HAL Bangalore, ITI Bangalore, Sporting Club Goa and Mohan Bagan.I agree that cricket is a popular game in our state and in our country aswell. Evn I have played and enjoyed cricket at school. However, my father was an inspiration for me. He supported me tremendously and wanted me to achieve laurels in soccer.No matter what sport it is, it needs hard work and ambition. However, as perceptions change so does the aims. In the initial phase of my sporting career I wanted to play for JK Police, then moved to JK Bank, HAL Bangalore, ITI Bangalore, Sporting club Goa Mohan Bagan, East Bengal FC and National team. I personally believe that I am the person who dared to switch clubs. Every club I was a part of was a learning step and it is the case with East Bengal FC. It was not so difficult to adapt to the conditions there as I have had the practice of switching clubs. East Bengal FC added fervor to my skills as the club is filled with finest and experienced players. It raised my eagerness to give a tussle to the best in business.
I cannot say that major changes have taken place since then. When I started playing soccer, the circumstances were very adverse and keeping the determination up was really challenging. Now the situation has developed a bit and subsequently new generation is getting inclined towards soccer. I have seen the grounds in kashmir now and I am happy that infrastructure in being developed. Also, coaches are available and that increases the scope of learning the art of soccer. J&K Bank over the years has developed its game and is today one of the best teams of north zone. Bank recently won the LG Cup at Delhi which it never had won before.
There is no dearth of talent in Valley.The only thing here players lack is exposure. If players frequently play outside, their talent will get polished.The biggest attraction for a player towards any sport is the job security. Players despite of having talent and skill don't opt for soccer as they find no scope in it. Consequently this results in a huge loss of talent in valley. Valley lags far behind if I compare its facilities with others. First of all there is no professionalism which is the soul any sport. Parents hesitate to allow their children to play soccer because they find no prospect in it, which to a great extent is true about the soccer in valley. Outside there are football academies like Tata Football Academy. The products of these academies are far superior to the products of our state. The players of these academies are looked after very carefully. They are continuously monitored and kept under observation. They (academies) maintain a proper record of their players which later helps them to get adjusted in one or the other premier soccer clubs. In valley we don't have such academies except Iqbal Sports FC, which too has a limited approach. The players of the club can join at the most JK Police or JK Bank. It really is difficult for them to think beyond. Besides, Fitness is essential for any sport. In professional clubs Players are kept fit and healthy. Physical trainers and doctors frequently check the fitness of players. The club besides the skill hunts for fit and strong players.
I have played in very tough conditions and still came out as a winner. My journey to senior national team is full of sheer determination and hard work.The objective behind writting this article is that all the people who admire my game and have respect for me can contact me without any hassle. Through the website www.mwadoo.com or through my emails mehrajuddin_24@yahoo.com and jkfpwa@gmail.com.I want the soccer aspiring youth who do not have favourable soccer conditions, particularly of my home land, to realise that no dream is impossible to achieve if strived with urge and determination.

Wadoo to play in exhibition match

Srinagar, May 23: The valleys international footballer Mehraj-ud-Din Wadoo will play in the exhibition match that is going to be held next week in the Polo ground Srinagar.
In the match former celebrity footballers will be featuring alongside Wadoo and it will be sort of fun exhibition match. This was revealed by Wadoo himself during press conference in which formation of player’s welfare association was announced.
He said, “It has been long time that football lovers of valley have seen me playing in front of them. I missed big opportunity last year by not playing in Santosh trophy due to India team coaching camp.”
“Whenever I was coming here during vacations everyone was asking me when they can see me playing and I had no answer for their questions. Now this exhibition match has given me opportunity to do that” he said.
He said that in the match former celebrities and current top level footballers of valley would be participating and it will be a fun match type with no serious football involved.
“The match would sort of fun match and I am sure spectators would love. We are planning to organize it in central Polo ground next week but that can be clear only after we get required permission from Sports council authorities. These types of matches are being played in outside countries and it will be first time that all celebrity fun-match would be played in valley” he said.


Published in Greater Kashmir on May 24-2009 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=24_5_2009&ItemID=18&cat=4

Valley footballers form association

We will work for interests of players along with JKFA’

Srinagar, May 23: For the welfare of state footballers the Football Players Welfare Association has been formed announcement of which was made in a press conference giving at Polo ground here on Saturday.
Valley’s International footballer Mehraj-ud-Din Wadoo will be the president of the association while as another former international footballer Dr Zahoor Haroon will be its general secretary. Sajid Yousuf Dar has been appointed as its Vice-President.
Wadoo himself announced the formation of association the aim of which is to work for the interests of players and to fight for their rights.
Wadoo said, “Number of people have confusion that the Welfare Association has been formed today. It is not true we have been thinking about it from last two years and finally today its announcement has been made. In our state there already existed one players association but from lat three to four years they not doing anything and it is because of that reason we have taken this step.”
“I have went to different countries along with Indian team and my club and everywhere I saw their existed a players association which works for players welfare and fight for their rights. The reason why their football is developed is because they care for their players. Once you give players their mental satisfaction it is only after that they will exert themselves for their clubs and states” he said.
The international footballer said that forming association is not any big thing but to keep it functioning and to achieve for it was formed is the important thing.
“There is lot of misconception among number of players that it is association created by Wadoo but that is not true. We have included almost all the current playing footballers in the association and we are welcoming all footballers from whole state to be part of it. It is only after all regions get equal representation that the actual motive of this association would be achieved” he said.
Wadoo said that till date organization is looking towards the welfare of footballers and the difficulties they are facing.
“Most of the footballers come from poor families and have no other means of earning livelihood. Till date whenever any player suffered injury he was left all alone. In valley clubs and selectors can throughout any player out of team at any time without any reason. At that time it is our association which has to stand up and fight for their rights” he said.
On the occasion Wadoo made it clear that the welfare association is not anti JandK Football Association and wants to work alongside with it for the development of football and welfare of players in state.
“Our association is not anti JKFA and we have nothing against them. We have formed only to fight against the discrimination of players. The other thing we will work for is utilization of talent. Everyone one says that we have talent but no one speaks about how to utilize that. We will select young talented players from different parts of valley and will give them special coaching and among that lot talented ones will be sent outside state.” Wadoo said.
Replying to a question about internal bickering of JKFA he said, “It is internal matter of JKFA and players have nothing to do with that. The JKFA office bearers should always take care that their matters should not harm players. This year the internal bickering of JKFA has cost our many players place in the Santosh trophy squad. Even last year’s captain, Shanawaz Iqbal has been thrown out and our main players like Bilal, Rizwan who have shown their talent at national level are not in team. This should not happen and players should not be involved in matters of JKFA.”
When asked about JK Santosh trophy squad he said, “The squad that has been sent is inexperienced, if they are going for only participation then it is good but if they want to perform then they should send our full strength team. As for myself is concerned I am suffering from groin injury due to which I could make it into the squad.”
Among others who were present on the occasion were East Bengal club player Waseem Feroze, Sajid Yousuf, Hilal Ahmad Rather and veteran footballer Muhammad Ismail Chapri.

Published in Greater Kashmir on May 24-2009 http://greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=24_5_2009&ItemID=17&cat=4

WADOO SELECTED FPWA PRESIDENT

Wadoo selected FPWA president


Says association will stand by the players who face injustice

The prominent soccer players of the Valley Saturday established the Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA) pledging to stand for the welfare of the Valley’s soccer players and for the development of the football.
Valley’s soccer star, Mehraj-ud-din Wadoo, who is the brainchild of setting up the association, was chosen as the president of the association.

Besides Wadoo as president, the association has chosen Kashmir University football coach Sajid Dar as Vice-president, former international footballer Zahoor Haroon as general secretary, NIS coach Hilal Parray as joint secretary senior footballer Bilal Wadera as Treasurer and Umar Hayat as chief spokesman.
Wadoo said that the players association was necessary for the betterment of the football.
“I have been to several countries where players association has helped the game to improve. This was my idea few years before to establish the players association in the State so that the standard of the football improves here,” said Wadoo.
Wadoo pledged the association will stand in support of the players who may face injustice in any form.
“The players associations in European countries are strong which has left no room for injustice to players. We will try to develop the association into a strong force so that no justice is meted out to the players. A player will be supported always for his betterment,” hoped Wadoo.
The soccer star dispelled the misconception that the association has been set up against the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association.
“There are rumors that the launch of this association will be anti-state football association. The rumors are baseless and we will work in coordination with the football association also whenever they need our help,” clarified Wadoo.
When asked to elaborate injustice meted out to players Wadoo said the soccer players in the last edition of Santosh Trophy are the live example before us who faced injustice.
“The State’s soccer players in the last years Santosh Trophy were the real talent in the Valley but unfortunately they have been dropped this year. The team sent for the biggest football tournament of the country recently is just there for participation. Such inexperienced team can’t be sent for high profile competitions,” said Wadoo.
Vice-president FPWA and University Football coach, Sajid Dar, said the idea to form the association was welcomed by the soccer players for the betterment of this game. “The association is very much needed in the State to let the football grow,” said Dar.
Dar said that State’s talent will be given platform to excel.
“We have the talented players but they lack proper guidance. We will give the talented players proper platform to so that they will also find a suitable niche for themselves in the world of football,” said Dar.
The association also announced that they will kick start their activities with the exhibition match. It will be a fun match in which state’s celebrities will play.

"FPWA ORGANISES AN EXHIBITION MATCH AND SRINAGAR MUNCIPAL CORPORATION SPONSORS"

WHY SHOUD FOOTBALLERS HAVE ALL THE FUN!


Stars of the different games share fun match at Polo Ground

Sajad Kralyari
Srinagar, June 18: It was a rare scene at Polo Ground on Thursday where former international footballers of the State played a friendly football match along with renowned players of the other games.

Organized by Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA), the football exhibition match proved to be feast for the spectators who were craving to see the old soccer stars of the State play football.

Besides former and present international footballers, the match also featured valley’s fast bowler, Sami-ul-ah Beigh, former Ranji players Qyoom Bagaw and current cricketers like Zahoor and Mudassir.

Valley’s international Kayaker, Zahoor Ahmad Latoo, and ace athlete and the top cyclist of the valley, Riyaz Ahmad Wani were also part of the fun match today.

Mohammad Yousuf Dar, Khursheed Baba, Mohammad Sayed, Mohammad
Aslam Dar and Zahoor Haroon were the notable faces among the former international footballers.

The star attractions of this fun match were Mehraj-ud-din Wadoo and Ishfaq Ahmad.
These renowned players were grouped into two teams-Commissioners XI and Mayor XI which the former won by 3-0 goals.

The players were excited after playing the match as it brought together all the former and the present players of different games.

“It was heartwarming to see the combination of players of the different games. Some of the young players wanted to see the skills of the former international footballers and they got the chance see them in this fun game,” said one of the former international footballers, Riyaz Ahmad Wani.

He said that such matches should be played at regular intervals to promote the game and provide fun to the lovers of this popular game.

The non-footballers were excited to be the part of the fun game.
“Kashmir is popular for football and I only used to watch this game. This match gave me the chance to taste this game also. This is an exciting stuff,” said the Valley’s pacer, Sami-ul-ah Beigh.
He also seconded the view that such games should be played frequently to promote the game.

Another International player in Kayaking and Canoeing, Zahoor Ahmad Latoo, said that the fun match is an exciting idea and should be introduced in other games also.
“I would have never got the chance to be a part football match which would feature star players. It was an irresistible offer for me when I was called to play in the match,” said Latoo.

The ace cyclist of the State, Riyaz Ahmad Wani, was happy to be the part of the match which featured Wadoo and Ishfaq.

“I would not have imagined playing along with international players. These friendly matches are organized outside the State where film stars also take part,” said Wani.

He said that the people had only heard of the names of the star players of the Valley but this match brought all the players together.

“People got the chance to see the star players of different games in the same ground. They were craving to see them and their wishes were fulfilled,” said Wani.
The match was organized by Football Players Welfare Association (FPWA) and sponsored by Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC). SMC had appointed one of its employee and the former general secretary Jammu and Kashmir Football Association, Bashir Ahmad Malik, as the coordinator of the matches.

Mayor SMC, Salman Sagar, was the chief guest while as Commissioner SMC and Director Information, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu, was the guest of honor on the occasion.

Promising the revival of SMC football team, Renzu, said that the football is popular in the Valley and SMC will take steps to promote the sports.

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Mehraj promoting football

Mehraj promoting football