Srinagar, July 30: FC1 today unveiled its official jersey for the club’s historic debut in the 135th Durand Cup, marking another significant milestone in the journey of the region’s newest professional football club.
The jersey was unveiled in the presence of Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq, representatives of TCI Max Cements, FC1’s leadership and players, and other invited guests.
Inspired by the theme of water conservation, the jersey was created in collaboration with PUMA following several months of development. Its flowing wave patterns represent the rivers, lakes, and other water bodies of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. The design also reinforces FC1’s commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness.
The event celebrated FC1’s partnership with TCI Max Cements, which has joined the club as Principal Sponsor for its maiden Durand Cup campaign and the 2026 FC1 Academies season. The partnership will support football development in Jammu & Kashmir while promoting water conservation and sustainable living.
Jehad Shora, CEO of FC1, said:
“FC1’s debut in the 135th Durand Cup is a proud moment for everyone across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh who has believed in our journey. Thoughtfully designed with PUMA, our jersey reflects our regional identity, our connection to water, and our shared responsibility to protect it.
“We are deeply grateful to TCI Max Cements for joining us as Principal Sponsor and supporting a vision that goes far beyond football. Its commitment to local talent, together with plans to work alongside FC1 to clean and restore water bodies and establish rainwater harvesting at its manufacturing facility, makes this a truly meaningful partnership.
“This campaign belongs to our players, supporters, partners, academies, and communities. Together, we hope to represent our region with pride, develop better footballers, and inspire environmentally conscious citizens. We want to demonstrate how sport, industry, and sustainability can come together to create lasting change.”
Sharing his thoughts after unveiling the jersey alongside representatives of TCI Max Cements and FC1’s leadership, Tanvir Sadiq said:
“This is a proud moment for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Together with the FC1 team and TCI Max Cements, I am delighted to unveil the jersey for FC1’s historic debut in the 135th Durand Cup.
“This is more than just a jersey. It carries the dreams and aspirations of countless young footballers from Jammu & Kashmir who hope to compete on the biggest stage. My sincere appreciation goes to TCI Max Cements for believing in FC1’s vision and supporting this journey. Here’s to making J&K proud.”
Speaking on the occasion, TCI Max Managing Director Waseem Trumboo said:
“Supporting local talent and helping local teams compete on national platforms is not just sponsorship—it is an investment in aspirations. Every young footballer from Jammu and Kashmir who steps onto a national stage carries the dreams of an entire generation, and TCI Max Cements is proud to stand behind those dreams.
“What inspired us about FC1 was that it is much more than a football club. Its commitment to water conservation and sustainability aligns perfectly with our values.
“Through this partnership, we are reaffirming our commitment to rainwater harvesting, reducing our carbon footprint, and working with FC1 to promote environmental responsibility, proving that sport and sustainability can create lasting change together,” he added.
FC1 has been built around a distinctive football philosophy. The club’s squad consists exclusively of players from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, giving regional talent an opportunity to compete on the national stage.
Through its academy structure, FC1 is committed to providing a clear pathway from grassroots football to the professional game. Its aim is to ensure that talented young footballers from the region can pursue their ambitions and aspire to represent FC1 at the highest level.
Beyond football, FC1 aims to become a platform for climate action and sustainability.
Working alongside partners including TCI Max Cements, Bisleri, and Neeman’s, the club plans to conduct environmental awareness programmes in schools, colleges, and communities.
These initiatives will encourage young people to become climate-conscious citizens and promote the responsible stewardship of natural resources.
The Durand Cup holds a special place in Indian football. First held in 1888, it is one of the world’s oldest football tournaments and Asia’s oldest football competition. FC1’s participation represents both an honour and a landmark moment for the club and the region.
FC1 will use this national platform not only to showcase footballing talent from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh but also to amplify its message of sustainability, environmental responsibility, and community development.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, FC1 enters its first Durand Cup campaign determined to represent the region with pride and inspire the next generation through football, purpose, and opportunity. (JKNS)
