Kashmir’s New Football Sensation: Suhail Ahmad Bhat

Kashmir’s new football sensation Suhail Ahmad Bhat once again starred in the show as he scored the only goal of Mohun Bagan’s Durand Cup opener against Downtown Heroes FC at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. With only table toppers qualifying for the group stage, the Mariners take an early command in Group A as they look to defend their crown.

Bhat has impressed ever since joining Mohun Bagan and the goal against Downtown Heroes was the first senior goal of his career. The 19-year-old is one of the most talked about football teenagers in India and is regarded by many as the ‘most complete striker’ in modern Indian football.

Let us take a look at Suhail Ahmad Bhat’s football journey in detail.

Early Life

Football is a dream of countless souls across the valley of Kashmir. The talent and passion of the young generation of footballers are destined to break the chains of boundaries and provide a glimmer of hope for future generations.

One such soul whose heart desired to become a professional footballer one day was Suhail Ahmad Bhat. Hailing from a region where study is often preferred to sports, Bhat would take time from his busy schedule to play football with his friends. With every step he took on his local football field in Bemina, Bhat’s dream of becoming a football player kept getting bigger and bigger.

He started his career as a forward and like any big striker, scoring goals would give him great satisfaction. Bhat recalls cricket was the most played sport in his area but many kids were inspired by football and took it forward.

In a local training camp held in Srinagar, Bhat impressed the onlookers with his ability to score goals and his career took a turn for good. He joined the Sports Council Football Academy Under-13 side.

Club Career

Bhat’s first professional club came in the form of Indian Arrows which he joined in 2022. He made his debut against Sukhdeva Delhi in an I-League match. He made seven appearances for the Indian Arrows during the 2021-22 season.

Bhat then switched to the Mohun Bagan Super Giants in 2013 where his career spiraled upward. He scored 17 goals in 16 matches for Mohun Bagan B team.

In an interview with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Bhat talked about how the senior players inspire him to do better in his career.

“The mentality of the senior players is inspiring, they always want to win and never tolerate losing. This inspires me and makes me want to win as well.” Bhat said

The focus on top scores and finishing is crucial because the better the finishing, the more goals will be scored. Joining the team and learning from the senior players is a great opportunity because they have a lot of experience. Practicing and playing matches with them is a big deal. he added.

The 19-year-old has also made 6 appearances for the senior Mohan Bagan side.

International Career

Bhat received a call-up for the Indian under-16 football team in 2021 and scored on his debut against the United Arab Emirates. 

He also was a part of India’s Under-20 side for the AFC campaign and has also made 2 appearances for the Indian U-21 side.

Former India International, Mehraj ud Din Wadoo, labeled Bhat as one of the bright prospects in his early days and said that the striker could do wonders for Indian football.

“He is a talented player and has the potential to be a top player. He needs to work hard. He has been with SCFA since its establishment. Coach Ali Muhammad has trained him in Under 13 level and then he was promoted to the senior team of SCFA by me,” Wadoo said.

Bhat was also named in the list of top 100 players in the world born in 2005 by Guardian.

His humbleness, determination, and willingness to take on new challenges have already made him a household name in Indian football and his journey is encouraging thousands of youth across Jammu and Kashmir to achieve their dreams.

Read More: Ishfaq Ahmed: A Cricket Player Who Became a Football Icon for Kashmir