We would love to train I-league teams’

P S Bali The two Kashmiris, Sajid and Hilal, now eligible to train I-League teams, had never thought of achieving the most reputed AFC B-License coaching. The duo was a key player of YMCA football club in 1998 when for the first time any private club clinched the title of State Championship. In a brief chat with Rising Kashmir the duo shared their experiences: What does it mean to be a B-license coach in Kashmir? SD: To be the first and the only B-licensed coach from the state definitely means a lot. Asian Football Confederation’s B-license courses standardize the level of coaching all over India and now we are eligible to train I-league teams. B-license has also provided us the chance to learn innovative trends of international coaching. HP: I feel we are the ambassadors. AFC’s B-license has promised us new horizons in the game. After completing C-license course, my vision about football was limited but now I came to know that coaching and football are wide fields, full of chapters to learn. Do you desire to join a particular team (s)? SD: I would prefer to coach the University of Kashmir. Our state is in need of qualified coaches and I want to serve here. I would love to work outside if I get a chance. HP: I want to work for my State and my priority will always be the J&K bank. I would definitely like to work outside. The credit of your success goes to… SD: Obviously the Almighty Allah. I am grateful to my father Muhammad Yousuf Dar who encouraged me at every step of my life. I also thank entire JKFA especially its former and presiding General Secretaries for this achievement. Young Mans Christian Association has also helped us to achieve this feat. I would also like to thank the Director Department of Physical Education and Sports Kashmir University, Prof Nisar Ahamd Rather, and former Chairman Sports Campus and HoD Physics Prof Farooq Ahmad and University Competent Authorities for extending their support. HP: All the credit goes to Almighty Allah. I also thank my well wishers and J&K bank for the valued support. YMCA put us on the track to bag this achievement besides the support of JKFA. What would be your message for the budding coaches of the state? SD: Unfortunately after completing NIS many people consider themselves as professionals which is neither a fact nor advisable. I suggest them to put to use their experience on the fields. This would help them prepare for licensed courses. HP: Be honest to the profession, utilize your experience on the fields and try innovative ideas for betterment of game. Felicitations: “This is an achievement for the entire state. Sajid and Hilal have emerged as professional and qualified coaches. On behalf of entire FPWA, I congratulate them for making us proud.” Zahoor Haroon (Secretary FPWA) “It is an achievement not only for football lovers but the entire sports fraternity of the state. I want JKFA to continue to recommended meritorious candidates for such coaching courses in future to build exemplary and innovative standard of football in J&K.” Showket Khanyari (Chairman Shaheen Sports Syndicate) “This is really good news for the football game in our state and would bring new definition to the game of football. I am very happy that J&K has talented and qualified coaches.” Mehraj-u-din Wadoo (International footballer).