David Alexander Robertson, coach of I-League team Real Kashmir FC (RKFC), has been awarded the ‘British Empire Medal (BEM)’ for his contribution to strengthening UK-India ties besides promoting football in the Valley (J&K). ) has been awarded. Robertson did this honour in the name of the people of Kashmir and his team.
The British Empire Medal (BEM) was awarded to the manager of the Real Kashmir Football Club for his services to Kashmir, India, and for his significant role in UK-India relations, according to a list released on Friday evening on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday. is done.” The British government announced the awards on Saturday to mark his official birthday. The 52-year-old Robertson, coach of Real Kashmir Football Club, has received the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honors List for services to the local community.
“The award recognizes Robertson’s outstanding contribution to the sport and community as head coach of RKFC since January 2017. This includes the team’s debut in the I-League under his guidance. It was the first time the team had competed at this level.” Robertson said he was overjoyed and proud to be honoured with this honour for his work in Kashmir. Enjoyed the moment. It is a real pleasure to work there and meet so many nice people. I consider Kashmir my second home.”
Robertson is currently in Scotland and when contacted by PTI he said, “I remember the early days when hardly a few dozen people came for RKFC’s match. People climbed trees and gathered their team from nearby buildings. I dedicate this to my club especially the team owner Sandeep Chattoo and the people of Kashmir.” Chattoo congratulated Robertson for this achievement and said that it would boost the morale of the team besides the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said, “David Robertson has been associated with the team since 2017 and since I shared my dreams about RKFC with him, the team has not looked back. He keeps an eye on every aspect of the game and every movement of the players on the field. He tells the players about their shortcomings, regardless of defeat or victory.
Known as the Snow Leopards, the team won the IFA Shield tournament last year, which is the club’s biggest title since its formation. The club gained global recognition when BBC Scotland produced a documentary on the team. Its name was ‘Return to Real Kashmir FC’. It was also honoured at the prestigious BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards.