Brothers who refused to let Kashmir’s football fade away

Srinagar, Jul 18: On a warm July evening at Srinagar’s TRC synthetic ground, the roar of the crowd rises as Arco United FC players warm up. For many, it is just another football game. For Sohail and Imran, it’s the realisation of a dream that began decades ago on the streets of Sopore. “I represented Sopore, then played for SRTC, and at national tournaments like the Santosh Trophy and Federation Cup.” “I was a footballer first,” says Sohail with eyes bright with nostalgia.

That passion runs deep in the family. “My uncle was also a great player,” Sohail recalls. “It is a legacy we have carried forward.” Today, that legacy lives on through Arco United FC, a team they co-founded to compete in the Kashmir Super League 2025 (KSL), a tournament that for the first time introduced player auctions in Kashmiri football. The brothers didn’t step into this overnight.

“Our group, Arco, has always been involved in sports,” Imran says. “We have organised cricket tournaments, sponsored marathons, and supported athletes. But football… football is close to our heart.”

When the idea of KSL was pitched by Mushtaq Ahmad, the man behind the league, Sohail didn’t hesitate. “The concept was brilliant,” he says. “We knew we had to be part of it.” As the bidding for players unfolded, Arco United didn’t struggle to build a strong squad.

With a coaching team already in place and an eye on homegrown talent, the franchise brought together some of North Kashmir’s finest players under one banner. “We are proud of that,” Sohail says with a smile. But beyond trophies and titles, their mission runs deeper.

Both brothers share a concern that overshadows sport in Kashmir: the alarming rise in drug addiction. “Today, many youngsters are glued to screens or worse, falling into substance abuse,” Imran says gravely. “Outdoor activities are the antidote. The more we engage kids in sports, the less they will fall prey to such vices.” To that end, Arco United isn’t just a team, it is a platform.

Through ARCO FC, formed in 2019, they have been scouting raw talent from north Kashmir’s Sopore and Baramulla, providing not just kits and opportunities but also financial support and stipends to boost confidence.

“We are not doing this for fame,” Imran insists. “It’s about giving back.” Yet, challenges persist. Unlike the old days when playing well meant a ticket to jobs in banks or police teams, today there is no such system. “Unless the government steps in with real initiatives, revival won’t be complete,” says Sohail.

However, despite hurdles, their optimism shines. “Our team is playing excellent football. We have a strong attacking side and a great mentor in Ishfaq,” Sohail says. “We are aiming for the top.” For them, football is more than a game. It is hope. It is revival. And above all, it is home.