Jammu, Jan 14 (PTI) The Jammu and Kashmir governor's administration Monday sanctioned a Rs 2 crore financial aid for the Real Kashmir Football Club for a period of three years, beginning 2018-19, officials said.

The State Administrative Council (SAC), which met here under the chairmanship of Governor Satya Pal Malik, took this decision, they said.

Within two years of its formation, the team has qualified for the top-tier I-League, in which where the club successfully defeated or drew with top teams including Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Churchill Brothers and FC Goa etc.

For its performance, Real Kashmir has been gaining popularity among the youth of the state, they added. In the matches played in the Kashmir Valley, more than 25000 people turn up to cheer for their favourite team.

However, presently the Real Kashmir FC is financially not in a position to meet the players' expenditure including expenses on training, travelling, boarding and lodging, they observed.

The SAC thus approved a grant for a period three years to the club.

The SAC further directed the Department of Youth Services & Sports to formulate a proposal in consultation with the finance department for providing grant to sports teams of J&K which qualify for top level national leagues in cricket, hockey, kabaddi and badminton. PTI AB AH