Football Fever Grips Srinagar as KSL 2025 Begins with Electrifying Match
By: Javid Amin | 11 July 2025
Opening Match Recap: A Battle Under the Lights
The much-anticipated Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2025 kicked off in dazzling style at the TRC Turf Ground in Srinagar, drawing fans and football enthusiasts from across the Valley.
Match Summary:
- Teams: Athwas India XI vs Greenend Heroes FC
- Final Score: Greenend Heroes FC 2 – 1 Athwas India XI
In a nail-biting contest that kept the audience on the edge of their seats, Hyder Yousuf emerged as the star performer, netting a brilliant brace to power Greenend Heroes FC to victory.
Ateeb Dar struck once for Athwas India XI with a fine finish, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
“This is just the beginning. We’re hungry for more wins. I’m thankful for the support,” said Hyder Yousuf after the match.
Opening Ceremony: A Grand Celebration
The excitement was palpable even before kickoff, with a vibrant opening ceremony that featured music, crowd engagement, and dignitaries addressing the gathering.
Inaugurated By:
- Tanvir Sadiq, MLA Zadibal
- Irfan Shahmiri, Chairman of Downtown Heroes FC and CHINAR International
Both leaders emphasized the role of sports in building community, peace, and youth empowerment in the region.
“Football in Kashmir is not just a game—it’s a movement,” said Irfan Shahmiri.
Awards & Accolades
The match concluded with special awards for standout performances:
Man of the Match & Game Changer
- Hyder Yousuf (Greenend Heroes FC)
Golden Save Award
- Umaid Hussain (Greenend Heroes FC) – for a spectacular diving stop in the final minutes
Awards were presented by notable figures including:
- Anisa Nabi, sports entrepreneur
- Wasim Khan, event partner
- Irfan Gujju, football promoter
Football’s Growing Pulse in Kashmir
The Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League is more than a football tournament—it’s a platform for:
- Spotlighting local talent
- Fostering inter-community unity
- Promoting sports tourism and youth engagement
This year’s edition promises a robust line-up of matches, with teams from various districts participating.
What to Watch Next
Upcoming matches include:
- Downtown Warriors vs Chinar Legends
- Saffron Valley FC vs Himalayan Knights
The tournament will span over four weeks with:
- Knockout stages
- Semifinals
- A grand finale in August 2025
