Gulfishan Naqvi | Ground Scoop
Violence frequently occurs in Kashmir’s beautiful valley, and it is generally known that the locals fight to survive on a daily basis. The way Kashmiri youngsters are portrayed in the media can occasionally seem harsh and is frequently based on stereotypical stories.
A Kashmiri teenager who went viral and attracted attention on a national and worldwide level successfully challenges these clichès. With his amazing football trick shots, he astounded the entire world. Bhaichung Bhutia, a former Indian football player, and Sunil Shetty, a Bollywood actor, appreciated him on social media .
Shah was honored for his accomplishments with the Kashmir Young Achiever Award 2021. Additionally, his trick shot videos got featured on well-known sports websites around the world, including Oh my Goal, where they received millions of views. He also received invitations from various television programs, including Season 9 of India’s Got Talent.
Shah Huzaib discussed his desire to start playing freestyle football in an exclusive interview with Ground Scoop and how it affected his life.
Q) Can you please introduce yourself, you’re so much in the news headlines for the last 2-3 years.
A) I was born in Charari Sharief of Budgam district, Kashmir. I started playing football in 2016. I was initially interested in cricket but quickly became interested in football.
I tried my hand at football with my cousins, and I quickly realised that I preferred it over other sports. I began performing trick shots in 2018 after two years of diligent practice.
Q) How much time and work is required in making these trick shots?
A) To master this, you must put in a lot of effort, be devoted, and manage your time effectively. Every time I get a call, I have a 30- to 50-kilometer interview drive. Time must be managed.
I occasionally needed three to four days to perfect a single trick shot. Consequently, they are very challenging. It may be easy for a spectator. However, it took a great deal of effort and endurance.
Q) You were also featured on well-known YouTube channels like “People Are Awesome” and “Oh My Goal” What was the audience’s reaction to your videos?
A) My first appearance on “Oh My Goal” in 2019 seemed like a dream come true. It feels amazing to be on the same platforms where I spent years watching footage of international athletes like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
My video “People Are Awesome” received more than five million views. Many people began complimenting me and following me after this. After receiving encouragement, I intensified my practice for my trick shots.
Q) You also got selected for ‘India’s Got Talent. Share your experience.
A) Yes, I got selected for ‘India’s Got Talent’. it was a big journey for me, from making videos in a room to getting selected for one of the biggest Indian Reality Shows.
Q) A lot of famous people have posted your videos on social media, including former Indian football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia, former Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty. How does it feel to be admired and followed by celebrities?
A) When I came to know that Indian celebrities had highlighted me on their social media, I felt extremely happy I believed that if I’ll work more and more I could actually achieve a lot.
Q) What struggles and hardships did you face during your journey?
A) We all know that as soon as we started getting success people became jealous and judgmental. Only a few genuine people support you. In my case, 70% of the people were in support, and the rest 30% were making fun of and commenting that he won’t be able to do anything. It’s just a craze of 2-3 months.
Q) For every successful person there is someone behind it. Would you like to tell us about your mentor / your Inspiration?
A) As I have already stated that I have learned trickshot techniques through youtube. Social Media helped me a lot in shaping my personality and career. Secondly, my inspiration is one of the famous Indian personalities, (Cricketer)- MS Dhoni ( Captain cool). He is my inspiration and I want to meet him in the future one day.
