Srinagar, September 12: Reaffirming its commitment to promoting football in Jammu & Kashmir, the J&K Sports Council (JKSC), functioning under the Department of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, has achieved another milestone with three more players from the region securing their place in the Indian National U17 Football Team. The squad is currently preparing for the SAFF U17 Championship and AFC U17 Qualifiers in Goa.

Maroof Shafi and Abrar Ali, both groomed at the JKSC Football Academy, along with Azim Parvaiz from Downtown Heroes FC, have been named in the final team that will travel to Sri Lanka for the SAFF Cup commencing on September 13.

With this success, the JKSC Football Academy now proudly counts 15 of its trainees among players representing ISL and I-League clubs, as well as various national teams.

The achievement of Azim, Abrar, and Maroof reflects their relentless hard work, discipline, and passion for the sport. Their selection is not only a personal milestone but also a source of pride for the entire football fraternity of J&K.

Satish Sharma, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, J&K, congratulated the young footballers and said: “It makes us proud to see such young athletes from Jammu & Kashmir earning their place at the national level. We must continue to provide them with the right training and exposure so they can represent the country with distinction.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelTheir success will encourage many more youngsters to take up sports as a way of life, fostering health and peace in the region.”

Yasha Mudgal, IAS, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department, J&K, said: “The selection of these players reflects the tremendous progress being made in grassroots football in J&K. With improved infrastructure, coaching, and training facilities, we are creating a strong platform for young athletes to excel and achieve their dreams.”

Nuzhat Gul, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, also extended her best wishes to the players: “Selection in the National Football Team is a big achievement, it shows our youth are among the best in the entire country. Football is one of the most popular sports played and followed by millions, and seeing players from J&K at this level is truly inspiring. I hope they will continue to make us proud at the international stage. Their journey from local playgrounds to the national team shows that with dedication and hard work, every dream is achievable.”

The J&K Sports Council congratulates the trio and wishes them success as they represent the nation at the SAFF Cup, carrying forward the aspirations of the entire region while inspiring the next generation of footballers.