AIFF Congratulate Real Kashmir For Clinching 2017/18 Hero 2nd Division League

All India Football Federation (AIFF) have congratulated Real Kashmir FC for clinching the 2017/18 Hero 2nd Division League on 30th May, in doing so they became the first club from Jammu and Kashmir to a get a promotion to the Hero I-League.

Real Kashmir, who are a local football team from a tiny valley community, only needed a point to win the title and promotion on the final day, but ended up blanking Hindustan FC 3-2 at the FSV Arena in Bengaluru, following a clinically efficient performance.

Hindustan FC created the first threat in the 17th minute, but Real Kashmir took the lead 5 minutes later through Ifham Tariq Mir as he collected a pass from Danish before calmly slotting past Mithun Samonto.

Kushant scored the equalizer in the 34th minute as he latched onto a loose ball in the box following a neat interchange of passing with Nikhil, to slot his shot into the top left-hand corner.

Real Kashmir FC restored their lead three minutes before half-time when a swift counter-attacking move allowed Danish Farooq the easiest of tap-ins.

Nadong Bhutia came off the bench in the 67th minute to make it 3-1 for Real Kashmir.

Hindustan FC, went all out in the final quarter and were rewarded with a goal in the 80th-minute courtesy Kushant Chauhan.

AIFF President Mr. Praful Patel in his recent statement said: Congratulations Real Kashmir FC for becoming the first club from Kashmir to qualify for the I-League. I am sure the achievement will inspire the youth to take up the beautiful game and take our Country to higher echelons of International Football.”

AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das said: “ The I-League finds a new centre in the next edition and AIFF’s vision of a pan Indian league has further been substantiated. Congratulations and good luck for the next edition.”