WS/VP DESK
SOPORE, Jan 30: On the phone line from Sopore, Ashiq Hussain’s voice swells with a pride that is personal, yet deliberately framed as public. “It’s not just about my son getting a slot in the national team,” he says. “It’s a message for parents: don’t let your children suffer. Support them in following their dreams.”
That message now finds its symbol in his 17-year-old son, Moosa Ashiq, who has kicked his way from the playgrounds of north Kashmir into the national Under-17 football team squad. A former student of the Sanctorum Institution in Sopore, Moosa had a childhood fascination for football that was first noticed and then meticulously nurtured at school.
“Since childhood, he was passionate about football. With the support from his school, especially the encouragement from Shakir Sir, he followed his path and never stopped dreaming,” Ashiq Hussain told The Web Story/The Varmul Post, crediting the institution for playing a pivotal role. “Today, I proudly feel that my son has reached a level where he will show the positive side of Kashmir.”
From Sopore, a dream—fueled not only by personal ambition but also by family and institutional faith—has found its place in the national spotlight he added.
For Shakir Ashraf, the Managing Director of Sanctorum, Moosa’s selection is more than an individual milestone; it’s a data point in an evolving narrative about Kashmir’s youth. “It shows how our younger generation is shaping their careers, be it in sports or academics. They are shining,” Shakir told The Web Story/The Varmul Post over the phone.
He added, “As an administrator, I have always been open to providing all possible help to students who show talent. It is heartening to see that support translate into national-level success.”
Shakir further added, “I want to thank his childhood coaches, Feroz Ahmad and Shabir Ahmad, as well as Mr. Sajid Yousuf Dar, a FIFA Coach Educator, who motivated this young lad to work harder. Today, he has proudly reached a point where we can all celebrate this success together.”
