Story of One Man, One Mission

A pioneer who has dedicated his life to building platforms of growth, empowerment, and discipline for the younger generation through sports and fitness.

Gowher Bhat

In a region celebrated for its breathtaking beauty, the youth of Kashmir possess immense potential, energy, and ambition. Amidst this vibrant landscape, one man has chosen to lead by example – not with grand speeches, but through consistent action, deep conviction, and a profound love for his homeland.
Iftikhar Ahmad Lone, Chairman of Lonestar Kashmir Football Club is not merely a name in the sporting circles of Jammu & Kashmir – he is a movement. A pioneer who has dedicated his life to building platforms of growth, empowerment, and discipline for the younger generation through sports and fitness.
Mr. Lone holds the distinction of being the first person to establish a professional football club from the Kashmir Valley—Lone Star FC—that competed in the prestigious I-League. Under his visionary leadership, Lone Star FC made a name for itself across the country, giving a new flip to football in the Valley and opening doors for local talent to shine on the national stage. His contribution marked a turning point in the footballing journey of Kashmir.

From Gulf to Roots: A Homecoming of Purpose
Mr. Lone’s journey of service began far away from his homeland. He left Kashmir in 1990 and moved to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he worked tirelessly to establish himself. Over the years, his entrepreneurial spirit flourished, and he launched multiple successful business ventures in Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq. He specialized in providing gold and jewelry services, Indian handicrafts, Kashmiri carpets, and fine arts. His clientele included the U.S. military community through AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Service), a prestigious retail organization that serves U.S. Army and Air Force personnel.

With decades of experience and multiple outlets across the Gulf, Mr. Lone built a respected business empire. Yet, despite his financial success, a quiet voice within kept calling him home. He eventually handed over his thriving businesses to his sons in Qatar and made the bold decision to return to Kashmir – not to retire but to revive.

“I could have stayed abroad and enjoyed a luxurious life,” Mr. Lone shares. “But something was missing. That missing piece was Kashmir and especially sports. Sports is in my blood. I came back because I believe our youth deserve better, structured opportunities, mentorship, and belief. I couldn’t just sit on a board and give advice from a distance. I had to be on the ground to build something real.”

And so he returned – not to settle, but to serve.

Building a Turf, Building a Culture
Upon his return, Mr. Lone did something no one had dared before: he constructed Kashmir’s first private football turf inside the premises of his own home in the heart of Srinagar city. This wasn’t a luxury project as it was a revolutionary step, a message to the youth that their dreams deserved real spaces to grow. He could have established a commercial project at his property and have hefty recurring earnings, but he preferred to dedicate all his personal resources to empower the local youth to national stage in the game of football.

“For decades, our boys had the talent but no turf,” he says. “They played barefoot on broken grounds. I wanted to give them a place where they could feel like professionals because that’s what they are.”

That turf soon became the heartbeat of the neighborhood, attracting school age children, teenagers, and young men from all corners of Srinagar. It gave them not just a place to play, but a place to belong.

Lonestar Kashmir FC: Where Dreams Take Shape
What began as one man’s mission evolved into a powerful institution: Lonestar Kashmir Football Club. Under Mr. Lone’s visionary leadership, the club has emerged as one of the most respected and professionally run football institutions in the Valley.

But Lonestar is more than a football club – it is a family of dreams. From grassroots talent hunts to elite coaching programs, from physical training to character-building mentorship, the club focuses on shaping complete human beings, not just skilled athletes.

Fitness as a Shield Against Despair
Realizing that the challenges facing youth extended beyond the football field, Mr. Lone took another courageous step. He built a state-of-the-art gym and fitness center in Srinagar – not just for exercise, but for healing, focus, and self-discovery.

“We can’t just tell youth to stay away from harmful habits – we have to show them a better life,” he says with quiet intensity. “Fitness and sports build character, confidence, and vision. I want to spread this mindset across the Valley from Srinagar to the farthest village. Our children deserve focus, not confusion.”

Today, that gym stands as a beacon of hope. It provides a clean, disciplined, and motivational environment where young people including girls can channel their energy positively, guided by certified trainers and moral mentoring. In a society where addiction and anxiety are on the rise, Mr. Lone’s initiative is literally saving lives.

Creating Jobs, Grooming Futures
Beyond sports, Mr. Lone has had a massive impact on employment. Through his various ventures such as Lonestar Kashmir FC, the gym, and other business projects as he has provided meaningful employment to hundreds of youth. He has groomed and trained many, adjusting them into roles locally and arranging jobs for others in states across India and in Gulf countries like Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait.

He recently launched the Lonestar Taekwondo Training Academy, further diversifying the sporting opportunities available to Kashmir’s youth. His ventures are not just about employment – they are about instilling purpose, discipline, and dignity.

Recognition and Respect
At the JKFA Springs Legacy Knockout Tournament 2024, held at Srinagar’s iconic Polo Ground, Mr. Lone’s efforts were officially acknowledged. He was felicitated by Shri Sarmad Hafeez, Administrative Secretary of Youth Services and Sports, and Ms. Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council – a testament to the impact of his relentless service.

But for Mr. Lone, the most meaningful awards come from the people whose lives he touches.

Shabir Ahmad, the club’s administrator, puts it simply:

“I have seen one of the best sports enthusiasts and leaders in Kashmir. Lone Sir is not just a boss – he’s an inspiration.”

A senior coach adds:

“Working under Lone Sir is a great experience. He pushes all of us to remain disciplined and focused. He wants the best out of us – not just as coaches, but as role models for the players.”

A young footballer, now training under the program, says with a grin:

“It’s fun, yes but more than that we’re learning real football here. We’re getting serious training and learning lessons that go beyond the game.”

A Future Built on Faith and Action

Mr. Lone is not one to slow down. With a clear vision and tireless drive, he is now actively expanding the reach and impact of Lonestar Kashmir FC across the region. His future plans include setting up new turf facilities in rural districts, launching mobile coaching camps for remote areas, organizing mental health awareness drives, and establishing dedicated fitness centers for women and girls.

“I want Lonestar to grow beyond Srinagar into the villages, the corners of the Valley where talent goes unnoticed,” he says. “This isn’t just about football. It’s about reaching hearts and giving every young person in Kashmir a reason to believe, to dream, and to work hard.”

Mr. Lone’s dream is not limited to producing national or international athletes. His broader mission is to help Kashmir raise a generation of disciplined, healthy, and grounded individuals – men and women who lead with character.

“I choose to be that someone who believes in them,” he says. “Because belief is the beginning of everything.”

Conclusion: One Man, Many Missions
In a time when fame is often louder than integrity, and appearances mask intentions, Mr. Iftikhar Ahmad Lone stands as a rare light – quiet, committed, and unwavering. A man who walked away from wealth and comfort to return to the land of his roots, only to plant deeper ones for others.

His legacy is not written in gold or granite, but in the grit of the boys who rise early to train, in the smiles of young girls discovering their strength, and in the determined eyes of every child who now dares to dream because one man opened the door.

One turf. One gym. One academy. One dream. One Valley.
He is making it count every single day.

(Gowher Bhat is a published author, freelance journalist, book reviewer, and educator based in Kashmir.)