Opinion | Kashmiri Women in Sports: A Moment That Feels Personal

Victory in sport practically is about runs scored or matches won but actually there is something more than this, it feels bigger, closer to home like something has quietly shifted. That is exactly what the North Zone’s win in the Senior Women’s Inter-zonal Multi-Day Trophy represents, especially for Jammu & Kashmir. With three players from the Union Territory; Chitra Singh Jamwal, Bismah Hassan, and Ananaya Sharma, part of the title-winning squad, this cricketing achievement is a moment of pride, progress, and possibility.

The final at Siechem Stadium had all the tension of a high-stakes contest. West Zone posted a strong first-innings total of 359, putting North Zone under pressure early on. But instead of crumbling, North Zone showed patience and belief. They built their innings carefully, session by session, eventually taking a crucial first-innings lead that sealed the match. It wasn’t flashy cricket, it was disciplined, thoughtful, and determined. The kind of performance that wins tournaments. But for many back home in J&K, the real story lies in who was part of that journey.

For years, cricket in the region especially women’s cricket has existed in the shadows. Limited facilities, fewer opportunities, and social expectations often made the path harder for girls who wanted to play. Dreams were there, but the platforms were not always. So when names like Chitra Singh Jamwal, Bismah Hassan, and Ananaya Sharma appear in a championship-winning squad, it carries a different weight. It tells young girls watching from the sidelines: this is possible.

Among them, Bismah Hassan had the chance to step onto the field in the playing XI during one of the matches. Even that single opportunity matters. It’s not just about how long you play it’s about being trusted and having capability to play at that level. It reflects a growing confidence in players coming from J&K, that they are ready not just to be selected, but to contribute.

At the same time, there’s something equally important about the roles played off the field. Parveen Aziz, as Team Manager, and Divya Sarotia, as Physiotherapist, were part of the team’s backbone. Their work may not show up on scorecards, but it shapes outcomes. Managing a team through a demanding multi-day tournament takes calm leadership and constant attention to detail. Keeping players fit and mentally ready requires dedication. Their presence is a reminder that this rise is not limited to players alone, women from J&K are stepping into every layer of the game.

This moment didn’t happen overnight. It is the result of small, steady changes better access to training, more awareness, families becoming more supportive, and institutions slowly building systems that recognise talent. The Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has played a role in this, and while there’s still a long way to go, signs of progress are now visible.

At the same time, it’s important to stay grounded. Not every player got a chance in the playing XI consistently, and competition at this level is intense. Being part of the squad is a big step, but the next challenge is to become regular match-winners. That requires more exposure, more match practice, and continued support. What makes this achievement truly meaningful is what it represents beyond cricket. In a place where many girls are still negotiating their space within families, schools, and society, sports can be a powerful equaliser. When a girl from J&K wears her state’s name on a national platform, it quietly challenges long-held assumptions. It opens doors, not just for herself, but for others who are watching.

You can imagine a young girl somewhere in Kulgam or Kupwara or Jammu, seeing this news and thinking, maybe I can do this too. That thought alone is powerful. Because change often begins therein: belief.

The North Zone’s victory will be recorded as another title in domestic cricket. But for J&K, it will be remembered differently. It is a reminder that despite challenges, talent continues to rise. That given even a narrow window, it can push through and shine. Looking ahead, the focus now has to be on keeping this momentum alive. More grounds, better coaching, regular tournaments, and consistent encouragement—these are not luxuries, they are necessities if this progress is to continue. Because one success story is inspiring, but many such stories can create a movement.

Three players from J&K stood as part of a winning team at the national level. They may not have carried the entire match on their shoulders, but they carried something just as important the hopes of a region that is slowly, steadily finding its place in women’s sport. And that, in itself, is a breakthrough worth celebrating.

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