Sopore Strikers secured a historic win in the inaugural women’s cricket match, triumphing over the Pune team in an exhilarating 10-over contest.
This three-match cricket series, a joint effort by Aseem Foundation and the Indian army, marks a significant milestone for women’s cricket in north Kashmir.
The tournament kicked off with an exciting match between the visiting Pune team and Sopore Strikers, where the home team emerged victorious in a thrilling contest that went down to the last over.
This historic event marked the first-ever women’s cricket match in Sopore town, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd from all walks of life. The Subhana stadium in Sopore was filled with respected citizens, civil army personnel, police officers, and top officials including GOC Kilo Force Mohit Seth, Commander 7 Sector Brig Deepak Mohan,COs of 32 and 22. The presence of these esteemed individuals highlights the significance of this tournament.
Notable attendees also included ADC Sopore Shabir Ahmad Raina, DIG North Kashmir Range Vivek Gupta, MC President Masrat Rasool Kar, SDPO Sopore Dr Raies Ahmad, SRM Welkin Patron and Chairperson Haji in Anayatullah, Ms. Baseema Aijaz, Sanctorum School MD Shakil Ashraf, Industrial President Javeed Bhat, Trade Body President Haji Ashraf Ganai, Govt Boys Higher Secondary Principal Mushtaq Ahmad Sopori, and Former MC President Baramulla Touseef Raina. Students from different institutions, including Shah e Hamdan Academy, were present and added to the lively atmosphere.
The match witnessed the skill and determination of the Pune women’s team, who set a target of 100 runs for Sopore Strikers. In a nail-biting finish, the Strikers managed to chase down the target in the last over, showcasing their talent and resilience. The support from the local community, esteemed individuals, and organizations like Aseem Foundation has been a tremendous source of encouragement for these female cricketers.
Gazala, a social activist, expressed her delight at seeing the girls play in front of her. She emphasized that girls often face difficulties in pursuing their dreams, but now things are looking up, thanks to the support from real heroes like Aseem Foundation. She confidently stated that the talented girls in Kashmir only lack a platform, but that day is not far when they will represent Kashmir at the national and international level.
Qurat, another social activist from Sopore, shared her elation about this initiative, highlighting the opportunity it provides for talented girls to showcase their skills. She firmly believes that the female athletes of Kashmir are on par with those from the rest of the country, and all they need is a platform to demonstrate their abilities. She expressed her gratitude for the support from the local community and emphasized the importance of local leaders taking the initiative forward.
Masrat Rasool Kar, President of the Municipal Council of Sopore, described the event as a success of hard work. She expressed her desire to witness positive changes not only in terms of development but also in the empowerment of the town’s youth. She proudly proclaimed that the daughters of Sopore have proven their exceptional abilities, not only in cricket but in various other sports as well. She emphasized the need to nurture their talent and boost their confidence, as they have the potential to make J&K and the nation proud.
President of Aseem Foundation, Sarang Gosavi, spoke about his motive behind this initiative, which is to provide opportunities for girls to spread their wings and fly. He expressed his joy at witnessing the emergence of hidden talent and stated his plans to host matches in Pune, further boosting the morale and confidence of these budding cricketers. His aim is to help them become top cricketers of tomorrow.
This tournament marks a significant milestone for women’s cricket in the region, providing a platform for female cricketers to showcase their skills and proving that they have the same potential as their male counterparts. It is heartening to see various stakeholders, esteemed individuals, and the local community coming together to support and encourage these talented cricketers.
