Srinagar, May 27: People continue to pay tributes to legendary footballer of state, Farooq Ahmad Bhat known as Pele of Kashmir who passed away recently in Srinagar.
 Former international footballer of State, Muhammad Yousuf Dar has termed late Farooq as fine talented footballer he has ever seen throughout India and has prayed for the departed soul.
 “I played along with Bhat for many years and formed lethal combination with him upfront that was feared by teams all over India. We used to penetrate defence lines of any team,” he said.
 He said he started playing alongside Farooq when GTU team was formed and developed great combination along with him.
 “In 1962 former Director General Sports, Nazir Khan formed GTU team and he selected players for it. I was also selected so was Farooq. At that time to play alongside him was matter of pride. We two and all other players worked hard to make GTU a top side. We made name for ourselves throughout Country” he said.
 “He used to be like lion on the field who looked at ball as prey. Like lion he hardly missed his prey and scored countless goals. He had superior technique and I have played football all over Country and I am proudly saying that I have not seen skilful player like him till date. If he would not have been homesick he could have become top footballer of Country” he added.
 J&K Bank Executive President and Sports Board Chairman Taffazul Hussain while lauding Farooq said, “I personally watched him play on the field for a decade. My love towards football was only due to Farooq. He was great and had mass appeal.”
 “Football fraternity will miss him and youngsters have lost great admirer who could have taught them lot,” he added.
 J&K Forest team captain, Rayees Ahmad while condoling his demise said, “It is big loss for JK football. In the football history of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq’s name will always be taken with proud and honour” he said.
 J&K State Sports Council also held condolence meeting on the sad demise of Farooq Bhat and another famous footballer Gul Baba.
 Meeting was presided by the President Kashmir Sports, Ghulam Rasool Bahaar, adviser to Chief Minister, Mubarak Gul and Ex-Secretary Sports Council Sheikh Fazal also participated in it.
 Expressing sympathies with the bereaved families, the participants prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased. Thousands of players also participated and observed 2 minute silence on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 27 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 28 May 2012 00:00:00 IST