My dream is to make Kashmir proud one day with my achievements: Shah Huzaib

In an exclusive conversation with Prateek Shukla, football content creator Shah Huzaib spoke about his love for football, content creation, and his love for Kazakhastan and Kashmir, among others. Excerpts:-

1) How would you introduce yourself to those who don’t know you.

1) Hi, My name is Shah Huzaib. I’m followed by a few people but known by millions for my work. I’m a Football Trickshot Artist. My content has received more than 40 million views on social media since 2018. I make tricks with football, I kick football into targets and small rounded objects.

2) How did you come up with the idea of combining trickshots with content creation?

2) Football Trickshots doesn’t fall under the category of sports but in arts and entertainment, So for this reason it is content creation. This is home bounded game and all you need is to make videos.

3) What’s your endgame? As in, what would you like your content to achieve for you? Do you want to be a professional footballer?

3) At present, my goal is to make record in Guinness book of world records and to become Football Star not professionally in field but on social media for my work and inspire others to take part in sports.

4) Your love for Kazakhastan is pretty evident from your social media timeline.. Tell us your favourite thing about the country. Also, tell us about your connection with Kashmir.

4) Kazakhstan is a very beautiful country people are much passionate about football than in India, there is a lot of scoop for football in Kazakhstan. There are lot of turfs and field for football in every city of Kazakhstan and we can find them after every 2 kms. From every age group people here like to play football professional as well as for fitness. Kashmir is my home place my all followers are from Kashmir, they support and send their love to my game. My dream is to make Kashmir proud one day with my achievements.

5) The incumbent government in India has put a lot of emphasis on winning medals. Do you feel enough is being done for sportspersons?

5) India has indeed increased its focus on sports and athlete development in recent years, with several government initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, training, and financial support. Programs such as Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and the establishment of sports academies across the country have played a significant role in identifying and nurturing talent. Additionally, financial incentives, sponsorships, and government rewards for medal winners have improved morale among athletes.

However, challenges remain. Grassroots sports development still faces issues like lack of infrastructure in rural areas, insufficient coaching facilities, and bureaucratic hurdles. Many promising athletes struggle with funding and access to world-class training resources. Moreover, sports beyond cricket often do not receive equal attention, despite India’s growing success in fields like weightlifting, wrestling, and athletics.

While significant progress has been made, consistent long-term investment, transparency in sports administration, and a shift in societal attitudes towards sports as a viable career option are crucial to ensuring sustained success on the global stage.