With four goals in qualifying round and at second place in top goals scorer’s list, young footballer from Anantnag, Aakif Javaid Reshi has emerged as a soccer player to watch.
Aakif who played for Kashmir FC in second division I-League has emerged as one of the leading goal scorers of the league in qualifying stage. 
He is the only Indian footballer among the top three goal scorers in the league with the top slot with seven goals occupied by foreigner Anto Xavier of Ozone FC Bengaluru.
Aakif is at joint second place with four goals from six matches. He is joined at second place by another foreign player Vanlal Biaa of Mohammedan Sporting Club, Kolkatta.
The 25-year old striker belongs to Anantnag district and used to play for local side Nasheman FC of the district when he was spotted by Coach Hilal Rasool Parray during last year’s Santosh Trophy trials.
Impressing coach during JK’s Santosh trophy campaign he was inducted into I-League level club, Kashmir FC by him.
“Coming from small club like Nasheman FC and then to play for Santosh Trophy and I-League is a dream which was fulfilled in a year,” Aakif said.
“Like previous years, I came for Santosh trophy trials and was selected by Coach Hilal Rasool Parray for the JK team. In the event, he used me as stopper back instead of my natural position of striker. I obeyed his instructions and after the match he praised me for the way I played and following all his instructions. After Santosh trophy he selected me for Kashmir FC which was real big surprise as this club plays in India’s biggest domestic professional club league,” Aakif said.
Coach Hilal said Aakif has got potential and within year or two he can emerge as a star of JK football.
“He needs polishing which we are doing and the outcome is in front of everyone,” Hial said. (Courtesy Greater Kashmir)