Mehrajuddin Wadoo is one of the well-known footballers from Kashmir Valley. Wadoo revolutionized the modern generation of football in Kashmir as both a player and a coach and continues to inspire the young generation to pursue their dreams of becoming a professional footballer.
Let us take a closer look at Wadoo’s football journey.
Early Life
Mehrajuddin Wadoo was born on February 12, 1984, in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. He completed his schooling at G P Mission School in Rainawari and later joined SP School for higher education. Wadoo started playing football at the age of 8 thanks to his father Mohd Sultan Wadoo who himself was a national-level footballer.
Wadoo made his impression at the Iqbal Sports Club where he initially started as a striker but switched to a defensive player later. After graduating from Amar Singh College Gogji Bagh, Wadoo’s entire focus turned to his football career.
Club Career
Wadoo’s senior career started at J&K Police where he impressed everyone with his positioning and defensive skills. After spending a season each at ITI and HAL, he earned his first big move to Mohun Bagan where he spent three seasons.
After leaving Mohan Bagan, East Bengal was the next stop for Wadoo where he also spent three years. He then had short stints at Salgaocar and Mohammedan Sporting before earning an ISL move to Pune City FC.
His career peaked at Chennaiyin FC where he was one of the regulars in the starting XI as Chennaiyin FC was crowned as the ISL champions in 2015. In the closing stages of his playing career, he played for I-League side Mumbai and ISL side Mumbai City FC before hanging his boots.
International Career
Mehrajuddin Wadoo represented India for 7 years from 2005 to 2011. He made a total of 32 appearances for the Blue Tigers scoring 2 goals in the process.
Wadoo famously represented India at the 2011 Asia Cup held in Qatar. He received a callup after impressing at East Bengal in the I-League.
He won 4 honors with India – SAFF Championship in 2005, AFC Challenge Cup in 2008, and Nehru Cup twice in 2007 and 2009.
Managerial Career
After the end of his playing career, Wadoo switched to a full-time coaching role. His first role as a manager was at Pune City U18 of ISL. A year later, he became the assistant coach of Hyderabad FC. Wadoo’s first job as the head coach of a senior club came in 2021 when he managed Sudeva Delhi. Wadoo only lasted eight matches as the head coach of Delhi before getting removed following underwhelming performances.
In 2022, Wadoo came back to Kashmir to coach Real Kashmir FC following the departure of David Robertson. Following a below-par start to the I-League including an 8-match winless run, Wadoo was removed before the end of the season.
Wadoo also coached Mohammedan and Chitwan FC and currently is associated with J&K Sports Council, training young footballers around the valley.
Wadoo has been an inspiration to the entire generation of young footballers. His success story continues to motivate youngsters across the valley.
Read More: International football players from Kashmir
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
