Shutdown helped in team bonding: Real management

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, November 12

After the abrogation of Article 370, strict curfew was imposed and phone and internet connections were snapped as a security measure across J&K. The shutdown affected the day-to-day affairs in the Valley, and the I-League team Real Kashmir FC too was affected as the security arrangements were a hindrance to training.

The situation had friends and family members of overseas players worried as communication lines were down. But Sandeep Chattoo, who co-owns the team with Shamim Mehraj, was given special permission to operate one phone on which the players and family could reconnect. Chattoo had to entertain calls at odd hours, sometimes as early as 3am. But he and chief coach David Robertson made light work of the hardships.

“I believe it helped us a lot because with internet they would waste a lot of time, spending too much time with their girlfriends,” Chattoo said today. “Because of it (shutdown) they were never to be found with their phones. So I am happy and I am sure David would be happy too as there were no distractions!”

Robertson added the time worked for team bonding. “It is not easy to be a coach and player in Kashmir but we stayed as a unit,” said the Scotsman. “As Sandeep said we spent most of our time together... Unlike my kids at home, who are mostly seen with phones, they (players) had the mind on the team as we spent a lot of time together as a group.”

The team management is confident of hosting their home matches at their home ground in Srinagar. “We have unofficially been informed about our matches. We will be playing at home and 12th (December) is our first home game. You all are welcome,” he said.

‘Real Kashmir will survive’

Chattoo was confident that his team will survive the churn caused by the merger of the Indian Super League and I-League, which is to be completed by 2024, as per the Asian Football Confederation’s roadmap.

Most I-League clubs fear that lack of sponsors and live coverage will force them to shut shop by then. However, Chattoo is confident his team will survive. “It is too early to comment. Our team will have the same future as other teams and I assure you this Kashmir team will do everything in our power to survive,” he said.