Real Kashmir hold Churchill Brothers to a goalless draw on historic day for football in Jammu and Kashmir

[caption id=“attachment_5514491” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] History was written as Real Kashmir FC hosted Churchill Brothers in an I-League encounter at Srinagar’s TRC ground, in what was the first-ever top-flight league football match in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Image: Sameer Mushtaq[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_5514521” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] It was a David versus Goliath encounter of sorts, as Churchill Brothers are two-time former champions from Goa while Real Kashmir FC are in their first season in the I-League. Image: Sameer Mushtaq[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_5514501” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] 10,521 football fans turned up to watch a football team from the state play in its first-ever I-League match at home. Image: Sameer Mushtaq[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_5514481” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] Churchill Brothers had their goalkeeper James Kithan sent off just before half-time, but they held on gamely despite the pressure from the home side. Image: Sameer Mushtaq[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_5514511” align=“alignnone” width=“940”] The home side had stunned reigning champions Minerva Punjab FC in their first game, and will feel like a chance missed out at not having beaten Churchill Brothers, particularly given the one-man advantage. Image: Sameer Mushtaq[/caption]