Soccer fever grips Kashmir as women play football tournament

A football association in Jammu and Kashmir organised an all-women tournament in the valley, attracting at least 112 participants. The semi-final match of the Women's Football Tournament that began in the first week of August continued till Tuesday in state capital Srinagar. Football, termed as the traditional sport of Kashmir, witnessed resurgence in the state after 2010, with decade-long militancy subdued. Inhabitants of the valley, who were denied entertainment due to constant curfews and restrictions, lapped up at the opportunity. Consequently, football teams were formed and formal coaching became a norm. Organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA), the tournament saw participation from 12 teams from the women's colleges and schools. A woman football player, Afshana, said girls in the valley were thawing towards sports. JKFA plans to select senior state women team, along with under-15 and under-18 categories at the women's football tournament.