14-08-2025
Goalkeeper Muheet Shabir's story: From valleys of Kashmir to heartland of Punjab
When goalkeeper Muheet Shabir stands between the posts for Punjab FC, he carries more than just the weight of his gloves - he carries the spirit of the Kashmir valley with him. The 23-year-old goalkeeper from Srinagar swapped the snow-dusted mountains for the flat, fertile plains of Punjab when he joined the club last year from Real Kashmir. With that move, he stepped out of his comfort zone in search of growth, challenge, and the force behind Punjab FC, has played a pivotal role in Muheet's journey. Through elite-level coaching, world-class training facilities, and a professional environment built for continuous improvement, Roundglass has given him the tools to grow both as a player and as a FC's youth development programme, powered by the Roundglass philosophy of holistic development, is now among the most respected in India. From grassroots football to the national stage, it has produced players who have gone on to represent the country at both senior and junior levels.
For players like Muheet, who came from a completely different footballing environment, the structured academy system in Mohali and modern training methodology have been transformative."It is inspiring to see how Roundglass is giving players like me, who have come to Mohali from different parts of India, a chance to grow," says Muheet. "The way they invest in our development on and off the pitch makes you believe you can achieve something big no matter where you come coaches and players here have given me a lot of love and support. It feels like home here too. They have made me part of something bigger - a team with ambition, passion, and heart."Beyond the pitch, the support system at Punjab FC has helped Muheet adapt to life away from home by offering mentorship, medical care, and constant guidance so he can focus entirely on his game."It was very comfortable playing in Kashmir because it was home," he says, his voice carrying both warmth and quiet determination. "But I wanted to challenge myself. Playing away from home tests you in ways the pitch alone cannot."The decision led him from Kashmir to Mohali. The move was not just about learning new tactics or adjusting to training schedules - it was also about embracing a new culture, climate, and pace of there is one part of home that no amount of camaraderie can replace - the laughs as he admits: "Kashmiri cuisine is kind of similar to Punjabi food since both are from North India, but nothing beats the food from the valley."For now, the taste of home will have to wait. Muheet's focus is firmly on the present - honing his skills, protecting the net, and making his mark in Indian journey from the valleys of Kashmir to the heartland of Punjab is not just about geography. It is about pushing personal boundaries, embracing change, and proving that sometimes the boldest step forward is the surest path to growth. And while the food of the valley might be unmatched, Muheet is discovering that the bonds forged in the heat of competition can be just as nourishing.- Ends
