SRINAGAR: Football is a very popular game in Jammu and Kashmir as the valley has produced top class players at both National and International level.
Therefore, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), in a unique gesture, has helped two talented young Indian footballers to take up the sport.
It partnered with Football Next Foundation to identify and encourage the best talent in the sport in Kashmir valley.
From the shadow of guns and ceasefire violations in the region to football grounds in Spain, it will be a long journey for the two Kashmir boys who will be the first from the Valley to play in the prestigious Spanish league.
Two Kashmiri boys, Basit Ahmed and Mohammed Asrar Renbar, both aged 18, have taken huge strides as they head to Spain to play football with Sociedad Deportiva Lenense Proinastur a third division professional club from the Spanish La Liga for a full season of about 6 months.
La Liga is the national football league in Spain.
Both players have played national juniors, and were chosen from among many who took part in trials by the CRPF committee in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir football club.
All expenses of the two youngsters will be paid by the Spanish club as per the terms of the contract signed by the Central Reserve Police Force with them.