Report: Hadi Hidayat/ The-Newscast
Kangan: In a heartening development for the sporting community of Ganderbal, social activist Manzoor Ahmad Lone along with prominent football players from Kangan have taken bold steps to revive the spirit of football in the region. With active involvement from budding footballers and local residents, Manzoor has become a driving force in reconnecting youth with sports and steering them away from the menace of drugs.
While MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali and DDC Kangan Tasmeena Adil Kapra have been consistently working to boost sports culture in the region, with special attention to football & Cricket Recognizing the power of sports in channeling youth energy towards positive development, both leaders have assured their commitment to enhancing infrastructure and creating more opportunities for budding athletes. Their presence at local events and coordination with district-level bodies is a clear sign of a brighter sporting future for Kangan.
A few days ago, a local auction was organized at a restaurant in Kangan, where Manzoor, along with young football enthusiasts, mobilized resources and support for football development. This grassroots initiative has sparked hope for a brighter future in local sports.
The efforts are already bearing fruit. FC Kangan, a team that has made its mark both locally and across the Union Territory, continues to shine as one of the leading football teams. The club has participated in multiple tournaments across the Kashmir Valley, earning recognition for its discipline and performance.
As part of this ongoing campaign, a local football league is currently underway and was inaugurated today by Manzoor Ahmad Lone at the Sheikh-ul-Aalam Sports Stadium in Kangan. The league has attracted several teams and young players, further energizing the sports culture in the district.
“Promoting sports not only keeps the youth engaged but also helps in battling social evils like drug addiction,” said a local resident praising Manzoor’s initiative.
Such efforts are being widely appreciated across Ganderbal, with many calling for more institutional support to help amplify these community-driven movements.
Manzoor Lone’s initiative reflects a much-needed revival of sports infrastructure and motivation in rural Kashmir, bringing hope, purpose, and unity through the beautiful game of football.