I-LEAGUE

Kozhikode in Kashmir, one of the longest journeys in Indian club football

Even though the I-League is the second division in Indian men's club football, behind the ISL, it is arguably the truest pan-India event, featuring teams from all corners of the country.

This season, the I-League features 12 teams scattered throughout the country, including Real Kashmir, farthest up north; Gokulam Kerala, down south; Shillong and Aizawl, in the east; and Rajasthan FC, in the northwest.

Srinagar is hosting the second round meeting between Real Kashmir and Gokulam Kerala, clubs separated by more than 3,200 kilometres, one of the longest journeys in Indian club football.

However, Kozhikode-based Gokulam saved a few miles on their recent journey to Srinagar. They had stayed back in Hyderabad after the first-round meeting with Sreenidi Deccan, which they won 3-2.

Gokulam Head Coach Antonio Rueda was asked how his team would cope in chilly Srinagar. He replied, "To win the matcha and to win the league, we cannot think about these situations."

Real Kashmir and Gokulam have met nine times before in the I-League, with Kashmir winning three times and Gokulam twice. Four of their meetings ended in draws. Gokulam famously won 5-1 when they met in Kozhikode in March 2022.