Srinagar, August 27, 2025 – In a proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar-born midfielder Danish Farooq Bhat has been named to the Indian national football team’s 23-member squad for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup 2025, set to kick off on August 29 in Tajikistan. The 28-year-old, affectionately nicknamed the “Kashmiri Ronaldo” for his dribbling prowess and goal-scoring flair, exemplifies how talent, perseverance, and passion are elevating Kashmir as an emerging sporting powerhouse, as highlighted in recent celebrations of #BadaltaKashmir.Danish’s inclusion marks his continued rise on the international stage under new head coach Khalid Jamil, who is leading the senior men’s team in his first tournament. The Blue Tigers are placed in Group B, facing tough competition from defending champions Iran, hosts Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.
Already with two caps since his debut in 2022, Danish joins the squad from Indian Super League (ISL) giants Kerala Blasters, where he has made 38 appearances and netted four goals since joining in 2023. His selection follows an impressive 2024-25 ISL season, where he featured in 20 matches, scoring one goal and earning praise for his versatility as a central midfielder and winger.Hailing from Srinagar’s Downtown neighborhood, Danish’s football journey began early, inspired by his father, legendary Kashmiri footballer Farooq Ahmad Bhat. At age 13, he joined the J&K Bank Football Academy, captaining age-group teams and securing 12 local league titles. He progressed through local clubs like Chinar Valley FC, LoneStar Kashmir FC—where he helped reach the I-League 2nd Division final in 2015-16—and Real Kashmir FC, donning the iconic No. 10 jersey. At Real Kashmir, he was the joint top-scorer with four goals in the 2017-18 season, aiding their promotion to the I-League as champions.
In 2021, he signed a two-year deal with Bengaluru FC, scoring three goals in his debut ISL season and earning the Fans’ Player of the Season award. His transfer to Kerala Blasters in January 2023, for a reported ₹25 lakh fee, solidified his status as a key ISL performer. The J&K Football Association, District Football Association Srinagar, and Real Kashmir FC have showered praise on Danish, calling his achievement a “matter of great pride” and an inspiration for the region’s youth. May you continue to shine.” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha echoed similar sentiments in past selections, noting how such successes motivate J&K’s youth.
As Kashmir cheers for India, Danish’s story underscores the valley’s growing football legacy, following in the footsteps of icons like Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Ishfaq Ahmed.India’s campaign begins against Tajikistan on August 29, followed by Iran on September 1 and Afghanistan on September 4. Fans are urged to follow the matches and support the Blue Tigers as they aim for glory.
