David Alexander Robertson, coach of Kashmir’s famous football club Real Kashmir FC, has been honoured with British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to the community in the valley and strengthening UK-India relations, a feat he dedicated to the people of Kashmir and the team he has been engaged with.

According to the list released on the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday on Friday evening, “Manager, Real Kashmir Football Club, India, receives a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community in Kashmir and UK-India relations.”

The awards were announced on Saturday by the British Government to mark the monarch’s official birthday.

The 52-year-old Robertson, who has been coach of Real Kashmir Football Club, has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the local community.

“The award recognises Mr Robertson’s outstanding contribution to the sport and the community as head coach of RKFC since January 2017. This included guiding the football team into the I-League — the first time the team has competed at this level,” the official list read.

“The last season of the I-League saw RKFC attain the highest number of home ground match attendees, averaging 25,000 people per match.” Robertson said he was “absolutely delighted” and honoured to have been recognised and awarded this honour for his work in Kashmir.

“I have enjoyed every minute spent in Kashmir. It has been a real pleasure to have worked and met so many wonderful people. I think of Kashmir as my second home,” he said.

The BEM is a British and Commonwealth award for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.