Bengaluru FC have decided to strengthen their squad with Real Kashmir‘s Danish Farooq Bhat. Danish is known as the
Kashmiri Ronaldo because of his dribbling skills and goal-scoring capabilities.
Bengaluru FC had a very forgetful season, to say the least. But Bengaluru have set their target now in order to achieve something better in the upcoming season. The Blues have already approached Sarthak Golui from SC East Bengal on a free transfer. Now, we can say Bengaluru are on a mission to strengthen their attack. With the addition of Danish now, the former champions might be able to achieve what they have dreamed of.
Danish started playing at a very young age for a local team “Chinar Valley” later, Danish joined the J&K Bank Football Academy at the age of 13. Where he played as the team captain with his age group level teams. He went on to win 12 league titles and tournaments with this team before joining Lonestar Kashmir in 2015. He played for Lonestar Kashmir in the 2015-16 season of I-League division 2. Where he helped his team to reach the final round, however, the team fell short and failed to qualify for I-League division 1.
In the later half of 2016, Farooq was signed by Real Kashmir where he got jersey no 10. With 4 goals Danish was the joint goal scorer for Real Kashmir in the 2017-18 season. He also had the most no. of assists in this season. Which helped Real Kashmir to secure the championship of I-League 2017-18 second division. Real Kashmir got promoted to the I-League because of their success. He is also one among the two Kashmir-born players who have been the regular starters for Real Kashmir FC and have played regularly for in that season.
Danish’s Inspiration behind his Footballing career:
Danish’s inspiration is his Father, Farooq Ahmad, who was a professional footballer two decades before him. Ahmad represented the Jammu and Kashmir state teams in the Santosh Trophy also played for the Mohammedan Sporting. Danish also follows players like Ishfaq and Mehrajuddin and he wants to represent India like them.
Farooq has played 93 matches in his professional career and has 15 goals to his name. After Mehrajuddin, Ishfaq, and Ishan, Danish is going to be the 4th Kashmiri to play in the Indian Super League. As the Blues have their hands on Danish on a free transfer from the Snow Leopards.
“It has been an incredible journey for the club and when I look back, I can see we have made tremendous progress in so many aspects. We are the first team from Jammu and Kashmir to play in the I-League and being a local player it is a different feeling altogether. It’s very heartening to see how much we have moved forward”. – Danish in an interview.
Danish believes that Real Kashmir’s journey from I-League 2nd division to 1st division has inspired many youngsters of Kashmir, and sooner or later Kashmir will also develop as a footballing state. Danish also feels him playing in the I-League has been a life-changing experience.
Do follow us on Twitter to get latest Indian football news and updates.
