Ishfaq Ahmed: Difference between revisions

Born in the Barbar Shah locality in [[Srinagar]], [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], Ahmed started his sports career as a [[cricket]] player.<ref name="Top Notch">{{cite news|last1=Malik|first1=Saqib|title=Top notch Kashmir footballer is jobless|url=http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/sports/top-notch-kashmir-footballer-is-jobless/202775.html|access-date=1 August 2016|work=Greater Kashmir|date=28 November 2015}}</ref><ref name="Interview">{{cite news|title=Interview of Ishfaq Ahmed|url=http://www.mohunbaganac.com/interview-detail/interview-of-ishfaq-ahmed|access-date=1 August 2016|work=Mohun Bagan Athletic Club|date=18 February 2009}}</ref> Despite more opportunities to play cricket, Ahmed admitted that his first sporting love was [[association football|football]] and he started to play the game at Biscoe School while also playing for the local side, YMCA.<ref name="TC">{{cite news|last1=Shafi|first1=Zehra|title=Kashmir has talent but no infrastructure: Footballer Ishfaq Ahmed|url=http://twocircles.net/2011oct23/kashmir_has_talent_no_infrastructure_footballer_ishfaq_ahmed.html#.V5-tR5MrLBI|access-date=1 August 2016|work=Two Circles|date=23 October 2011}}</ref> At the age of seventeen, Ahmed lead YMCA to the state league title, becoming the state top scorer in the process while playing as a [[forward (association football)|striker]].<ref name="Interview"/> He credits his first football coach, Satpal Singh, for getting him to become a professional footballer: "Satpal Singh not only brushed up my skills but also helped me turn into a professional. My teachers at Biscoe and Gandhi College also supported me a lot."<ref name="TC"/> After playing for YMCA, Ahmed started to play for the Jammu and Kashmir Bank football team.<ref name="Top Notch"/> After good performances with the side, Ahmed was selected to join the Jammu and Kashmir under-21 side for the Dutta Ray Trophy as captain.<ref>{{cite news|title=J&K gives Bengal a scare|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2002/04/26/stories/2002042602872100.htm|access-date=1 August 2016|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=26 April 2002}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>