Downtown Heroes FC is inspiring change in Kashmir Valley
The Downtown area in Srinagar, also known as Shehar-e-Khas, is a part of the city that has an elaborate history attached to it. The awe-inspiring mosques, Sufi shrines, old wooden houses, the narrow lanes, or even the market places - selling dry fruits, food grain, shawls, carpets, gold, papier-mache, kesar (saffron), copper among other things - are a picturesque delight for the connoisseur.
Then as one passes through the red-brick Shehar-e-Khas gate, one also gets to see graffitis with one message or the other painted on walls here and there.
It is the most-populated area of the city and is divided into several localities, primary among them being Nowhatta, Eid Gah, Hawal, Habba Kadal, Hazratbal and the famous Lal Bazaar zone.
The Downtown area is also known for its protests and subsequent crackdowns. It always remains in a state of cacophony.
Amid all this, two Downtown residents came together in 2020 for their common passion for football and started a football club named the Downtown Heroes FC.
Hinan Manzoor and Mushtaq Bashir not only shared a junoon (passion) for football, but there was always a deep desire to make a positive impact on the society that was fueled by their profound attachment towards their homeland. Hinan, an MBA, had pursued a career in the corporate industry, while Mushtaq, a graphic designer, runs an advertising business.
Through the club, both believed they could be the catalyzing force to bring about a "change in society", "empower the youth" and give them a "sense of unity and purpose".
Soon they were joined by like-minded individuals like Irfan Shahmiri, the founder and CEO of social development organization CHINAR International and who now serves as the club's chairman, and educationalist Qaiser Bhat, who is the vice-chairman.
In the three years since its inception, the club has gone from strength to strength. Not only does it compete in the I-League second division, Downtown Heroes FC will be making a splash in the national scene with its participation in the upcoming 2023 Durand Cup. The tournament is in its 132nd edition and is the oldest football tournament in Asia and is also supported by the Asian Football Confederation.
"Downtown is the heart of Srinagar. It is the old city. From the beginning of times, it was known for its rich cultural heritage. Every good thing used to happen in Downtown. It was known for business, art and craft, sports and particularly football. But over a period of time, this appeal and charm of Downtown vanished and we fell prey to every turmoil and political instability. Downtown got a bad name for itself.
"At present, drugs among the youth in Downtown is the biggest problem. Our aim to start the club was to give a platform to the young boys and wean them away from the menace of drugs. So that they can project a true picture of Downtown in the country and world over. We are not bad people; we are not what is being portrayed about us," Hinan told TOI in an exclusive interaction from Srinagar. "We want our players to become role models for our society and people should look up to them."
According to Hinan, 90 percent of the club's players come from the Downtown area. "We started from the heart of Downtown that is Nowhatta. We wanted to hit it where it hits the hardest. Our players come from local communities. We want to create an ecosystem where we can give a better alternative to the youth. We urge them to shun the path (of drugs) and come towards constructive things."
Recently, the club managed to rope in the highly-regarded Hilal Rasool Parray as their chief coach. Having coached nationally-acclaimed teams like Lonestar FC and J&K Bank FC, Hilal is often given the moniker of 'father of football coaching' in Kashmir.
"There is immense footballing talent in Kashmir. We want to create a pool of players who will not only serve the club but also go out and display their skills at the highest level, either on loan or on permanent transfer. Our aim is not just the betterment of football in Kashmir, but also give India standout players," Hilal, who is the only pro-licensed coach in Jammu & Kashmir, said.
The coach pinned his hopes on 6 feet 5-inch goalkeeper of the club Muheet Shabir, full back Hyder Yousuf, mid-fielder Shahmeer Tariq, stopper back Zubair Akhoon, and striker Parvaij Bhuiya to go on and shine at the national level.
"They have it in them to also represent the country internationally. It would be a matter of pride to play for India," the 47-year-old said.
Inam Bakshi, who plays as a centre back for Downtown Heroes, has been associated with the club since his youth days. "One day, I want to play in the ISL," the 20-year-old said.
Bakshi's partner at the back of the defense, Salah Wani wants the team to be I-League champions one day. "We want to rub shoulders with the big teams and the big players of the country. We want to show everyone what kind of talent we possess. For that, there can't be a better platform than the Durand Cup," Wani said.
