Super League no substitute for grassroots structure; urgent need for revival of professional league system
By Rouf Ahmad
Srinagar, DD,The All India Football Federation (AIFF) appears entangled in internal disarray—ranging from administrative lapses to leadership tussles—that has led to a worrying delay in conducting elections for the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA). This inaction is proving detrimental to the region’s footballing ecosystem, with governance paralysis at the state level stalling critical decisions and progress.
Amidst this vacuum, the much-hyped Super League has been floated as a flagship platform, but experts and stakeholders alike stress that it cannot replace grassroots-level and regular league tournaments, which form the backbone of football development. “You cannot build a skyscraper without a foundation,” says one local coach. “The Super League can be an asset, but not a substitute.”
Grassroots Neglected, Talent Drained
The absence of a professional and structured league system in Jammu and Kashmir has led to alarming consequences. Young and emerging players are finding fewer opportunities to showcase their skills, forcing many to look outside the Union Territory—often without adequate support or visibility. This “football brain drain” is weakening the local talent pool and creating a vacuum in player development.
Clubs and local teams are also suffering. With no regular competitions or league calendars, maintaining training schedules, attracting fans, and sustaining sponsorships has become a significant challenge. The lack of consistent football activity is leading to a slow erosion of public interest and investor confidence in the sport.
No League, No Legacy
The ripple effects are visible in every corner of the football ecosystem. Budding players lack role models, while aspiring coaches and officials find little scope for growth. Infrastructure like training academies and stadium maintenance has taken a hit due to minimal funding and attention.
The Way Forward
If football in Jammu and Kashmir is to be revived and revitalized, the immediate priority must be holding timely JKFA elections under a transparent and accountable system. Simultaneously, the AIFF must facilitate the launch of a structured professional league in the region, supported by regular grassroots and district-level tournaments. Only a holistic and inclusive approach can help rebuild the sport from the ground up.
Until then, the dream of nurturing local talent and creating a thriving football culture in Jammu and Kashmir will remain on shaky ground(DD)
