Real Kashmir FC coach Robertson has been awarded the British Empire Medal

The British Empire Medal (BEM) has been awarded to David Alexander Robertson, coach of Kashmir’s famous football club Real Kashmir FC, for his services to the community in the valley and strengthening UK-India relations, a feat he dedicated to the people of Kashmir and the team he has been working with.

According to the list given on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday “Manager, Real Kashmir Football Club, India, receives a British Empire Medal (BEM) for contributions to the community in Kashmir and UK-India ties.” To commemorate the monarch’s official birthday, the British government revealed the honours on Saturday.

In the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, the 52-year-old Robertson, who has been the coach of Real Kashmir Football Club, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the local community.

“The award recognises Mr Robertson’s outstanding contribution to the sport and the community as head coach of Real Kashmir FC since January 2017. This included guiding the football team into the I-League – the first time the team has competed at this level,” the official list read.

Robertson expressed his gratitude for being recognised and honoured for his work in Kashmir, saying he is very happy and honoured. The British Empire Medal (BEM) is a British and Commonwealth honour given in honour of meritorious civil or military service. Robertson said to PTI that it had been an incredible adventure working with the people of Kashmir and the club for almost five years. It was a great experience.

Real Kashmir FC was founded in 2016, gained prominence in May 2018 after winning the second division I-league. In their first season, they finished third in the main I-league. The also well known as the ‘Snow Leopards,’ won the IFA Shield tournament last year, marking the club’s first major triumph since its existence.

The club has gotten worldwide notice when BBC Scotland produced a documentary called “Return to Real Kashmir FC,” which followed the team and their Scottish boss Robertson. The documentary won the British Academy Film and Television Arts’ ‘Single Documentary’ category award (BAFTA).

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