Breaking all barriers, more and more girls from Kashmir are now being seen in national and international sporting tournaments. Thanks to the Indian Army for opening doors and allowing women to step into a realm that has been overshadowed by a terror-driven culture reminiscent of Taliban ideology for the past 30 years.
For girls in Kashmir, playing any sport has always been a challenging endeavor. Many were not willing to accept the idea of their daughters playing on the sports field, and obstacles often appeared alongside the dreams and passions of these girls. However, in the past five years, the situation has changed significantly. The Indian Army has provided a platform for not just boys but also girls in Kashmir to engage in sports, significantly increasing enthusiasm for athletic pursuits. Today, both genders are participating freely in sports and achieving great heights.
Hope is Alive
“Dreams Do Come True!” resonates strongly with the daughters of Kashmir, as hope has led them to their destinations. The Indian Army has played a vital role in helping them reach their goals, not only by elevating sports to a new level but also by inspiring both boys and girls in the region.
A few years ago, when the Women’s Premier League was started in Kashmir, many thought it might not gain momentum and that girls would still be reluctant to step onto the field. However, the efforts of the Indian Army transformed the landscape of women’s sports, enabling the girls of Kashmir to write success stories and earn recognition at both national and international levels.
It is not solely about cricket; the Indian Army has made tremendous contributions across various sports-related activities, successfully shifting the mindset of the younger generation. Once caught in the crossfire of conflict and uncertainty, they are now channeling their energy and passion into sports, fostering a sense of unity, pride, and hope for the future.
The efforts of the Indian Army have played a crucial role in shifting this narrative, creating a platform where the youth of Kashmir can positively represent their state on national and international stages—something that may not have been achieved before.
For the past five years, the Indian Army has reshaped sports in the region and organized tournaments at different levels, bringing hidden talent to the forefront and providing it with a new platform. This has enabled Kashmir to be positively represented.
These tournaments have given Kashmiri youth, especially young athletes, a platform to showcase their skills and gain recognition. In other parts of the Valley, the youth of Baramulla have also penned their success stories with the help of the Indian Army, changing the narrative within the valley and beyond.
In Baramulla, the Women’s Premier League organized by the Indian Army has given wings to girls who once hesitated to enter the sports field. Thanks to the Indian Army for providing this platform, which is now becoming a means of self-expression, empowerment, peace-building, and development.
Every year, in the Women’s Premier League, hundreds of young girls participate for their bright and successful future. They are not only excelling in sports but are also showcasing their talent, providing potential pathways to higher levels of competition and setting a positive example for aspiring cricketers.