Sony LIV’s ‘Real Kashmir Football Club’ has been nominated for an International Emmy Award in the Drama Series category. Inspired by the true story of Kashmir’s first professional football club, the series takes a story rooted in the Valley to the international television stage.

According to a press release, the series follows two men who set out to build a professional football team in Kashmir. Starring Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Manav Kaul, the show explores how their shared dream develops into a larger story of determination, community and the possibilities that football creates for people around them.

Speaking about the nomination, showrunner and co-director Mahesh Mathai said, “When you come across a great story, don’t let it pass you by. Grab a hold of, nurture it, love it, and push it through that long tunnel. It will find the light. We are honoured that this special series has found global recognition through an Emmy nomination.”

Zeeshan Ayyub also described the recognition as significant, saying the series was an important story to tell and reflected themes of resilience, courage and hard work. “We dedicate this recognition to the people of Kashmir, their resilience and the struggles they have endured. I hope this nomination helps the story travel further and reach a wider audience,” he said.

Produced by Jaya Entertainment and Oshun Entertainment, ‘Real Kashmir Football Club’ features an ensemble cast including Abhishant Rana, Muazzam Bhat, Priya Chauhan, Anmol Thakeriadhillon, Afnan Fazli and Shaheem Bhat. The series is directed by showrunners Mahesh Mathai and Rajesh Mapuskar and written by Simaab Hashmi, Dhruv Narang, Mahesh Mathai, Danish Renzu and Umang Vyas.

The International Emmy nomination adds to the series’ journey of taking a deeply local story to a global audience. ‘Real Kashmir Football Club’ is currently streaming on Sony LIV.