SPORTS> Feature and Column
|
SPORTS> Feature and Column
|
|
Restive Indian Kashmir revives sports links
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-08-15 09:03 SRINAGAR, India, Aug 14 - When a separatist revolt erupted in Indian Kashmir nearly 17 years ago, former national soccer captain Abdul Majid Kakroo quit the game to run a small business. Soccer was the last thing on his mind as a bloody Islamist revolt against New Delhi's rule raged in the scenic Himalayan region, the violence having claimed over 45,000 people since 1989. However, the playing fields of Kashmir are abuzz again as youngsters take advantage of easing tension following a peace process between India and Pakistan. Kakroo, now 47, is prominent among them, coaching hundreds of youngsters on a sprawling field ringed by lush Chinar trees. "Unlike in the past, the boys are quite enthusiastic," he told Reuters. A huge polo ground in the heart of Srinagar, the restive summer capital of the northern Jammu and Kashmir state, is also full of people from all age-groups playing the game. "I love football, thank God sports is back in Kashmir," said Atif Hameed, a 20-year old player. RISKING LIFE Years of unrest has caused misery in Kashmir, leaving nothing untouched. Sports was a big casualty as it was considered a big risk to venture out early in the morning or stay out in the evening. Several grounds were taken over by security forces to set up their camps and sports clubs quickly became defunct. Many of the clubs are up and running again, with as many as 200 of them registered again with the state soccer body. In another prominent Srinagar stadium, hundreds of boys in whites play India's favourite game of cricket, unmindful of gun-toting security men watching from a distance. "The gun has given way to bats and grenades to balls," said Usman Majid, a local lawmaker. "I'm sure this is the beginning of a new peaceful era in Kashmir." Kashmir was once a top Asian tourist destination, popular among skiers, trekkers, anglers and river rafters. It also has two of the world's most beautiful golf courses. |
