Srinagar, May 20: The sports fraternity from all over the State has condoled the demise of legendary footballer of Valley Farooq Ahmad Bhat known as Pele of Kashmir who passed away on Saturday.
 The demise of legend has been a shock for footballers and sports fraternity.
 “He was legend and there has never been a footballer of his stature. He was favourite of masses and whenever he used to step into the field, whole crowd used to go into euphoria,” read a statement issued by J&K Sports Development Association.
 “He was king of times and a lethal striker. He has given state many footballers during time by supporting them wholeheartedly. He will be deeply missed,” the statement added.
 The JK Bank President and Vice-Chairman Sports Board, Abdul Hamid Banday in his condolence message from New Delhi said, “It was shock for me to hear this news here in Delhi. I have played along with him and considered him as my role model. He was finest player, perhaps the best player that Valley has produced till date. There is no doubt about that.”
 “Not only I respected him as player but as a person as well. He was sober and gentleman person who was always ready help his fellow players. He will be missed,” he added.
 The J&K Cricket Players Association has also condoled his demise.
 “Meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Players Association was held at Sheri- cricket grounds to pay tribute to the departed soul of Farooq Ahmad Bhat, the legendary football player of the state .His contribution to football fraternity was hailed by all members,” statement of J&K Cricket Players Association read.
 The Physical Director of Islamia College in his condolence message has said, “I as child used to watch football matches and stadium and other venues of Valley. Only thing for which I used to watch matches was Farooq. He was star and people used to follow him madly to get his glimpse. It is shock for whole sports fraternity”.
 Football Players Welfare Forum (FPWF), Eidgah also expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Farooq Ahmad Bhat.

JKFA TO PAY TRIBUTE
 The J&K Football Association has decided to organise day long seminar in memory of Farooq Ahmad (Pele) at Polo Ground here on Tuesday at 10:30.
 “We will be organising day long seminar to pay our tributes to this legend. In the seminar current players, former players and also all the district bodies would be participating,” JKFA statement read.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 20 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 20 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 IST