SRINAGAR: Swift Strikers Rainawari FC secured the fourth and final play-off berth in the Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League 2026 with a commanding 6-0 victory over Sanctorum North United FC in the final league-stage match on Friday.
With the conclusion of the league phase, Athwas India XI finished as league winners and, along with the other qualifying teams, advanced to the play-off stage of the tournament.
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, and Science and Technology, Satish Sharma, attended the match as chief guest and interacted with players, officials and organisers.
Speaking on the occasion, Sharma said competitive leagues provide young footballers with valuable match exposure and opportunities to showcase their abilities. He said Jammu and Kashmir has significant sporting talent and stressed the importance of identifying and nurturing players at the grassroots level.
The minister said sports development should focus not only on infrastructure but also on regular competitions, coaching, talent identification and pathways for athletes to progress to higher levels.
Highlighting football’s popularity among young people in the region, Sharma said organised tournaments can help channel enthusiasm for the sport into structured participation and competitive achievement. He also encouraged youngsters to pursue sports as a means of personal development and, where possible, as a career.
Sharma acknowledged the contributions of coaches, referees, organisers, sponsors and supporters in making the league successful and said the government would continue efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and expand opportunities for athletes across Jammu and Kashmir.
He congratulated Athwas India XI on finishing as league winners and Swift Strikers Rainawari FC on qualifying for the play-offs, while extending his best wishes to all teams entering the knockout stage.
