At the age of 63, he still loves the game of Football with heart and mind and watches the big International matches of Football on television no matter how long they will go during nights. The veteran footballer of the valley is still highly remembered for his exuberant football skills during his playing days, a man who had retired from his active government service as Joint Managing Director of J&K SRTC five years ago, has the distinction of being the first international footballer of the J&K State and first from the valley of Kashmir to play professional club football in early 70’s.
Football fraternity of the valley still loves him and highly acknowledges his contribution in the game of Football during 60’s and 70’s. As a Football coach he has produced many footballers for the State which include the famous International Footballers like Abdul Majid Kakroo, Mohd. Shafi Nari, Khursheed Ahmad Baba, Lateef Baba, Zahoor Ahmad, Syed Ahmad and Aslam Parvez Dar, who all have represented India in many international matches.
Hailing from Dalgate Srinagar and born in a family where the game of Football has remained the first love in sports, Mohd. Yousuf Dar is presently engaged in his hotel business but he keenly and silently watches all the developments of the game around in the valley. Although football lovers of the valley would expect his active contribution in the State football, but he has been found of scene for many years now and till today does not want to comment over his long absence in administration or contribution in the field of Sports in general and his first love Football in particular.
After many long years of his silence, Mohd. Yousuf Dar was pushed to break it when persons concerned with Sports programmes of Radio Kashmir Srinagar approached him with a recorder. In an exclusive interview aired on Radio Kashmir Srinagar on June 20, 2012 in Sports Magazine at 9.30PM, Mohammad Yousuf Dar spoke about his early football life, his contribution and representation in State football. Some unexceptional and angry feelings also came in place regarding due respect and recognition not been given to him over the past many years by the Jammu & Kashmir Football Association (JKFA). “When they (JKFA) don’t want me, why should I go to attend their meetings and activities” said Dar in an angry mood. “If they would have called me for any participation, suggestion or contribution i would have surely loved to be a part of that” He revealed.
Reacting to the plea, one of the Executive members of JKFA, Fayaz Ahmad said that Mr. Dar had resigned as Chairman of the selection committee long back and has never looked back or attended any meeting of JKFA. “He was the direct member of the Association and as per the constitution, one who doesn’t attend three meeting in a row is disqualified from the membership of the executive Committee” added Mr. Fayaz.
Pertinent that Mr. Dar has done diploma in coaching in Football from National Institute of sports Bangalore, represented India XI in the year 1977-78 and represented Mohammadan Sporting Club Kokatta in the year 1971-72 to become first footballer of the State to play professional football. He has also represented J&K State in Santosh Trophy for 15 years during the period 1964-78 and also
captained State Football team twice in Santosh Trophy tournaments.
It looks very unfortunate and unfair that a football legend of the past like Mohammad Yousuf Dar is not presently involved in the affairs of State Football.
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