Sajid Yousuf Dar Becomes First FIFA Coach Educator from Jammu & Kashmir
By: Javid Amin | 27 October 2025
In what can only be described as a groundbreaking milestone for Indian football, Sajid Yousuf Dar has become the first-ever FIFA Coach Educator from Jammu & Kashmir. His appointment not only marks a personal triumph but also signals a turning point for football in a region often celebrated for its passion yet underrepresented on the global stage.
This achievement places Sajid among a select global network of elite professionals entrusted by FIFA to train and certify future generations of coaches — a role that directly influences the quality of football talent and coaching standards across continents.
The Man Behind the Milestone: Who Is Sajid Yousuf Dar?
Born and raised in the scenic valleys of Jammu & Kashmir, Sajid Yousuf Dar’s journey from a promising player to an internationally recognized coach is a story of perseverance, vision, and dedication.
Early Days in Football
Sajid began his football journey on the dusty grounds of Srinagar, displaying early talent and leadership. His on-field intelligence and passion for the game saw him represent J&K in the Santosh Trophy, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments. His competitive edge sharpened when he captained YMCA in the 1998 Federation Cup, showcasing not only skill but tactical maturity.
Transition to Coaching
While many players fade from the spotlight after their playing days, Sajid’s evolution was different. Recognizing the need for professional coaching expertise in J&K, he turned to mentoring — determined to uplift the sport from its grassroots.
His commitment led him to pursue professional coaching certifications, gradually earning recognition within India’s football ecosystem. Over the years, he became a familiar name in the All India Football Federation (AIFF) circles for his technical acumen and ability to nurture young talent.
Coaching Career: From Local Fields to National Leadership
Sajid’s résumé reflects a rare blend of experience, strategy, and leadership across various levels of Indian football.
Head Coach of India’s Senior Women’s Team
Sajid first gained national attention when he was appointed Head Coach of the Indian Senior Women’s National Football Team. Under his guidance, the team exhibited improved tactical discipline, morale, and consistency in regional tournaments. His emphasis on player confidence and modern training methodologies was widely appreciated by players and analysts alike.
Shaping India’s Youth Squads
Beyond the senior level, Sajid has also served as Head Coach of India’s U14, U16, and U19 national squads — an experience that shaped his deep understanding of youth development and talent nurturing. His structured approach helped streamline youth selection programs and align them with international benchmarks.
The Road to the AFC Pro License
In November 2024, Sajid achieved another landmark: earning the AFC Pro License, the highest coaching qualification in Asian football. This certification, awarded by the Asian Football Confederation, represents the pinnacle of coaching education — held only by those who demonstrate mastery in tactical management, leadership, and football pedagogy.
With this license, Sajid joined an elite circle of Indian coaches qualified to lead international teams and mentor others aspiring to do the same.
Understanding the Role of a FIFA Coach Educator
Becoming a FIFA Coach Educator is not merely a title; it’s a global responsibility. These professionals form the backbone of FIFA’s effort to standardize and elevate coaching quality worldwide.
What They Do
FIFA Coach Educators are entrusted to:
- Train and certify coaches across different nations
- Develop and implement modern football training curriculums
- Conduct workshops and seminars on tactical and psychological aspects of the game
- Support national federations in aligning with FIFA’s technical development programs
Through these roles, they act as knowledge bridges between FIFA’s global strategy and local football ecosystems — ensuring that even emerging football regions stay connected to the sport’s international evolution.
Why This Achievement Matters for Jammu & Kashmir
Sajid’s appointment is more than an individual success; it is a symbol of transformation for a region long known for raw talent but limited access to structured infrastructure.
A Boost for Local Coaching Standards
For decades, football in J&K has thrived on passion but suffered from a lack of professional training avenues. With Sajid now serving as a FIFA-recognized educator, local coaches can receive direct mentorship aligned with global best practices — without leaving the Valley.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Perhaps the most profound impact lies in inspiration. Young players and coaches in Kashmir now have a local role model who has broken international barriers. His journey embodies the message that talent from the region can not only compete but lead on global platforms.
Strengthening the Football Ecosystem
The ripple effects of Sajid’s appointment could reshape the entire football landscape in J&K. With potential FIFA-backed workshops, AIFF collaborations, and grassroots academies, the region is poised for technical renewal and structural growth.
Reactions from the Football Community
The football fraternity across India has unanimously hailed Sajid’s milestone as a proud moment.
- The J&K Football Association called it a “watershed moment for the state’s sporting history.”
- Former Indian internationals and coaches praised his perseverance, calling him a “true ambassador of Kashmiri football excellence.”
- Young players from the Valley expressed excitement about “learning under someone who has reached the FIFA level.”
Social media was abuzz with messages of congratulations, with hashtags like #SajidYousufDar and #FIFAIndiaCoach trending among sports enthusiasts.
A New Dawn for Kashmiri Football
For a region that has produced exceptional athletes despite adversities, Sajid’s ascent offers hope and direction. It underscores how dedication, education, and resilience can transcend geography and politics to achieve excellence.
As he steps into his new global role, Sajid Yousuf Dar embodies the future of Indian football education — a future rooted in technical rigor, inclusivity, and international collaboration.
The Road Ahead: Building a Legacy
Sajid’s long-term vision includes:
- Establishing regional coaching academies in Jammu & Kashmir
- Integrating FIFA and AFC methodologies into school-level football programs
- Promoting women’s football through inclusive training frameworks
- Building a self-sustaining ecosystem where local coaches can eventually become global educators themselves
His journey is a reminder that football greatness isn’t confined to stadiums — it begins in classrooms, training centers, and minds willing to learn.
Final Thoughts
From captaining YMCA in the Federation Cup to becoming the first FIFA Coach Educator from Jammu & Kashmir, Sajid Yousuf Dar’s story reflects the evolution of Indian football itself — from passion-driven beginnings to professional global recognition.
As FIFA looks to expand its development outreach, having a representative from the Valley isn’t just symbolic; it’s strategic. Sajid’s appointment bridges worlds — connecting the grassroots energy of Kashmir to the global heartbeat of football.
The ball is now rolling faster than ever in the Valley — and it’s carrying with it the dreams of an entire generation.
