Two Kashmiri Footballers Selected for India U-17 National Camp After Kashmir Super League 2025 Success
By: Javid Amin | 17 Aug 2025
A Breakthrough Moment for Kashmiri Football
For years, Kashmiri youth have turned to football as both a passion and an escape. From the crowded streets of Srinagar to the picturesque valleys where makeshift grounds serve as playgrounds, football has been more than a sport—it has been a source of hope, identity, and resilience.
Now, in a story that embodies this spirit, two young Kashmiri footballers—Aazim Parvez and Abrar Ali—have made history by earning places in the India U-17 National Team Camp. Their selection comes on the heels of their outstanding performances in the Kashmir Super League (KSL) 2025, a grassroots tournament that has rapidly evolved into the region’s premier football showcase.
For Kashmir, this is not just about two players making it big. It is about football proving itself as a bridge—connecting the local game to the national stage and showing young athletes that dreams are indeed within reach.
The Rising Stars of Kashmir
🔹 Aazim Parvez – The Playmaker in the Making
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Club in KSL: New JK United FC
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Academy Affiliation: Downtown Heroes FC
Aazim has built a reputation as a versatile midfielder with sharp vision and impeccable passing. In the KSL, his ability to dictate play and create opportunities earned him the title of Emerging Player of the Season. Coaches describe him as “a player who makes others around him better.”
🔹 Abrar Ali – The Wall at the Back
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Club in KSL: Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC
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Academy Affiliation: Sports Football Academy (SFA)
Abrar, on the other hand, is a defensive powerhouse. Strong in tackles, calm under pressure, and commanding in the air, he has quickly become known as a future-ready centre-back. His composure at such a young age impressed scouts and coaches alike, landing him the same Emerging Player of the Season honor.
Both players represent different ends of the pitch, yet together they symbolize a new wave of Kashmiri football talent ready to shine nationally.
Kashmir Super League: A Launchpad for Dreams
Launched as a local initiative, the Kashmir Super League (KSL) has grown into much more than just a tournament. It has become a talent factory, nurturing young players and giving them the visibility needed to catch the eyes of national scouts.
The 2025 season was particularly significant:
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Over 50 teams participated across divisions.
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Matches were streamed live on local digital platforms, drawing record viewership.
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Former national players and professional scouts were in attendance.
A spokesperson for the KSL summed it up best:
“KSL isn’t just a tournament, it’s a launchpad for dreams. Aazim and Abrar’s journey from Kashmir to the national camp is proof that talent, when given the right platform, can shine on the biggest stage.”
The league’s growing credibility ensures that Kashmir is no longer on the periphery of Indian football, but a breeding ground for future stars.
The India U-17 National Camp: A New Battlefield
The India U-17 camp in Goa is no ordinary training program. It is a high-pressure, competitive environment where the nation’s best young players fight for places in upcoming international fixtures.
For Aazim and Abrar, this means:
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Training alongside elite youth talent from across India.
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Exposure to modern coaching techniques and international match preparation.
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A chance to wear the tricolor and represent India in upcoming tournaments.
It is also a proving ground—only those who adapt, improve, and excel under pressure will make it to the final squad. But their KSL journey suggests they have both the resilience and skillset to thrive.
The Man Behind the Opportunity: Sajid Yousuf Dar
Much credit for their selection goes to Sajid Yousuf Dar, former head coach of the Indian women’s national football team. Acting as both scout and mentor, Sajid recommended Aazim and Abrar to the national setup after witnessing their performances in KSL 2025.
Known for his eye for talent, Sajid has long advocated for proper scouting structures in Kashmir. His intervention underscores the importance of mentorship and networks in ensuring young talent doesn’t go unnoticed.
Why This Matters: Football as a Social Movement in Kashmir
The significance of Aazim and Abrar’s journey goes beyond football:
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Representation: For Kashmiri youth, seeing local players on a national stage provides role models and inspiration.
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Integration: Sports serve as a unifying force, bridging gaps and bringing positive attention to the region.
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Opportunity: With unemployment a persistent issue, sports offer alternate career paths.
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Hope: At a time when Kashmir often makes headlines for conflict, stories like this shine a light of positivity.
Football has always had a strong presence in the Valley—local grounds are filled with enthusiastic players and fans. But with structured leagues like the KSL feeding into national opportunities, the game is evolving from a pastime into a serious career option.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Kashmiri Football?
The success of Aazim and Abrar sparks bigger questions:
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Can more grassroots initiatives like KSL be scaled up?
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Will government and private sponsors invest in better infrastructure—stadiums, academies, and training facilities?
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Can Kashmir one day produce an Indian national team regular or even players for international leagues?
If sustained efforts continue, the Valley could soon be recognized not just for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its footballing excellence.
Conclusion: Dreams on the Horizon
The stories of Aazim Parvez and Abrar Ali are not just about football. They are about what happens when talent meets opportunity. Their selection to the India U-17 camp proves that even in regions with limited resources, platforms like KSL can change lives.
As they step onto the training pitches of Goa, carrying the aspirations of their families, clubs, and community, one thing is clear: Kashmir’s football dreams are no longer just dreams—they are becoming reality.
