downtown heroes fc is inspiring change in kashmir valleythe downtown area in srinagar also known as sheharekhas is a part of the city that has an elaborate history attached to it the aweinspiring mosques sufi shrines old wooden houses the narrow lanes or even the market places selling dry fruits food grain shawls carpets gold papiermache kesar saffron copper among other things are a picturesque delight for the connoisseurthen as one passes through the redbrick sheharekhas gate one also gets to see graffitis with one message or the other painted on walls here and thereit is the mostpopulated area of the city and is divided into several localities primary among them being nowhatta eid gah hawal habba kadal hazratbal and the famous lal bazaar zonethe downtown area is also known for its protests and subsequent crackdowns it always remains in a state of cacophonyamid all this two downtown residents came together in 2020 for their common passion for football and started a football club named the downtown heroes fchinan manzoor and mushtaq bashir not only shared a junoon passion for football but there was always a deep desire to make a positive impact on the society that was fueled by their profound attachment towards their homeland hinan an mba had pursued a career in the corporate industry while mushtaq a graphic designer runs an advertising businessthrough the club both believed they could be the catalyzing force to bring about a change in society empower the youth and give them a sense of unity and purposesoon they were joined by likeminded individuals like irfan shahmiri the founder and ceo of social development organization chinar international and who now serves as the clubs chairman and educationalist qaiser bhat who is the vicechairmanin the three years since its inception the club has gone from strength to strength not only does it compete in the ileague second division downtown heroes fc will be making a splash in the national scene with its participation in the upcoming 2023 durand cup the tournament is in its 132nd edition and is the oldest football tournament in asia and is also supported by the asian football confederationdowntown is the heart of srinagar it is the old city from the beginning of times it was known for its rich cultural heritage every good thing used to happen in downtown it was known for business art and craft sports and particularly football but over a period of time this appeal and charm of downtown vanished and we fell prey to every turmoil and political instability downtown got a bad name for itselfat present drugs among the youth in downtown is the biggest problem our aim to start the club was to give a platform to the young boys and wean them away from the menace of drugs so that they can project a true picture of downtown in the country and world over we are not bad people we are not what is being portrayed about us hinan