SRINAGAR, Sept 7: Kashmir is excited to watch the host footbal team JK-XI take on one of India’s premier teams, Mohan Bagan in Srinagar on Saturday and at least 28,000 passes have already been sold.
The guest team of 31 members including players and technical staff have already arrived in Srinagar and will engage the state team in what is expected to be an exciting game at the Bakshi stadium tomorrow.
“All arrangements have been put in place. 28,000 passes have been sold. But we hope more will come,” said minister for sports, R.S Chib at a press conference today.
This is for the second time this year and in 28 years that a prominent Indian football team has come to the scenic Himalayan region, where violence is waning after having started more than two decades ago.
Authorities are working overtime to bolster such activities in the region where besides sports, trade and tourism are picking up after a systemic collapse during the conflict-ridden years.
Earlier this year, Mohammadan Sporting Club, Kolkata played two matches with the hosts JK-XI. Police had to use force to manage crowds outside the Bakshi stadium in Srinagar where one of the matches was played. The home team won both the matches.
Chib said for this macth Vikramjeet Singh will captain the host team and Asif Majid will be the Vice Captain.
Chib also said the government has prepared a project for renovation and upgradation of Bakshi Stadium, Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Stadium and Moulana Azad Memorial stadium, Jammu. Three synthetic football stadia are also being developed to give added facilities to palyers, he said.
