Sony LIV series “Real Kashmir Football Club”, inspired by the true story of Jammu and Kashmir’s first professional football club, has been nominated for an International Emmy Award in the Drama Series category.
The nominations for the 2026 International Emmy Awards were announced on Wednesday, with “Real Kashmir Football Club” being recognised alongside the UK’s “A Thousand Blows”, France’s “Carême” and Argentina’s “Menem” in the Drama Series category.
Starring Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and Manav Kaul, the series follows two men who set out to build a professional football team in Kashmir. What begins as a shared dream grows into a story of determination, community and the possibilities that football opens up for the people around them.
Ayyub said he hopes the Emmy recognition will help the show reach a wider audience.It is always special to see our labour of love reach people and receive recognition. This was an important and relevant story for us to tell, a story 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,” the actor said in a statement.
Mahesh Mathai, show-runner and co-director of “Real Kashmir Football Club” said they are honoured by the Emmy nomination.
“When you come across a great story, don’t let it pass you by, grab a hold of it, 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,” Mathai said.
Produced by Jaya Entertainment and Oshun Entertainment, “Real Kashmir Football Club” boasts of an ensemble cast including Abhishant Rana, Muazzam Bhat, Priya Chauhan, Anmol Thakeria Dhillon, Afnan Fazli, and Shaheem Bhat.
Filmmaker Rajesh Mapuskar is also co-show-runner with Mathai from a script written by Mathai, Simaab Hashmi, Dhruv Narang, Danish Renzu and Umang Vyas.
“Real Kashmir Football Club” was released on December 9, 2025 on Sony LIV.
