After a wait-and-see approach for the first 45 minutes, the Blue Colts decided to crack the whip in the second session and emerged as the SAFF Men’s U19 champions with a vigorous 3-0 triumph over Pakistan at the Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal. This was India’s eighth youth title in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) championships, a clear testimony to their regional supremacy.
The campaign was also spearheaded by two Kashmiri footballers, Jahangir Shagoo and Sahil Khurshid. Both played brilliant football in India’s win against Bangladesh in the championship. Later, in the semi-final against the host, Nepal, Khurshid put India ahead in the 26th minute.
Before that, the remarkable achievement of Jahangir needs special mention. A young footballer from the Khoja Bagh area of Baramulla town in north Kashmir, he has secured a coveted spot on the Indian under-19 football team, participating in the (SAFF) U-19 Championship.
Jahangir’s remarkable journey is a testament to his hard work, dedication, passion, and the unwavering support of his mentors, family, and community.
The SAFF U-19 Championship, an international football competition for men’s under-19 national teams, kicked off from September 21 to September 30, 2023, in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Jehangir’s inclusion in the Indian under-19 squad marks a historic moment as he becomes the first footballer from north Kashmir to achieve this feat, making his community and region immensely proud.
His journey into the world of football began when he was just about 12. This is when he first discovered his passion for the sport. Inspired by the matches he witnessed in his locality, he joined the Real Soccer Football Academy (RSFA), where he received his initial training under the guidance of his mentor, Haroon Rashid.
Reflecting on his early days, Jahangir said, “He (Rashid) showed me the basics of football, and more than that, he showed me how to be more focused in my life.” His commitment and talent caught the attention of the State Football Academy (SFA), where he continued his training under Rashid’s leadership.
With time, Jahangir’s skills continued to develop, and he was subsequently selected to represent the SFA, Srinagar. Under the guidance of coach, Mohammad Ali, Jahangir honed his abilities and learned valuable life lessons that went beyond the pitch.
His journey took another significant step when he participated in the U-13 I-League for the State Football Academy, Jammu & Kashmir, during the 2018-19 season. This experience provided him with exposure and valuable experience, setting the stage for his semi-professional career within the SFA, where coaches like Sajid Yousuf Dar guided him towards excellence.
In 2020, Jahangir participated in trials for the India U-16 national men’s team, a remarkable achievement at just 15 years of age. After successfully making the cut, he joined the India U-16 squad and trained in Odisha. “Because of Almighty Allah, I was shortlisted for the India U-16 squad,” he said.
Jahangir’s dedication and talent continued to shine, leading to his subsequent selection in the India Under-17 team, and, most recently, in the India Under-19 national teams.
“Under the guidance of my current coach, Shuvenda Panda, I am now representing my country in the SAFF U-19 Men’s Championship in Nepal,” he said, before departing for Nepal.
He described the championship as his most memorable international experience, till date. “This is my most memorable international competition, and I believe that it will assist me with arriving at my objective in future,” he said.
Jahangir aspires to represent India at the senior national level and play in the Indian Super League (ISL). “I will work as hard as possible to see my little glimpse of heaven. My gratitude to Shuvenda Panda and the entire supporting staff here in the national team,” he added. He also expressed his gratitude towards the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and the Odisha government for their support, and the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, for nurturing his talent and backing him.
It has been the unwavering support of individuals like Muzammil Mahmood, Salman Mir, and Burhan Amin in his football journey which has propelled him towards achieving higher goals in the sport. However, Jahangir reserves a special place of gratitude for his proud family who stood by him through thick and thin. “I am thankful to my father and mother,” he said.
