Breaking Boundaries: Woman Cricketer Leads Shopian’s Budding Talent

Srinagar, July 13: A cricket coaching centre in Shopian, initiated under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) with the support of the J&K Sports Council, is providing a new opportunity to young girls and boys who aspire to play cricket. The centre is more than sports it is bringing about a change in traditional mindsets and instilling confidence among the youth of the area. Head of this special programme is Sumayah, a prominent lady cricketer of South Kashmir. She too encountered numerous challenges throughout her own experience but is now employed as a coach to instruct and guide the future generation of cricketers. Her appointment as head coach reflects the Sports Council’s genuine endeavour to foster gender equality in sports at Jammu and Kashmir. “This is not just cricket coaching. It’s about giving equal chances to everyone, especially,” said Sumayah. “I want to see these children grow into strong players and confident people.” The coaching centre is drawing both boys and girls from surrounding villages alike. Parents who at one time were reluctant to let their daughters play are now encouraging them. “My daughter enjoys cricket, but we were in doubt. Seeing Sumayah as coach made us change our mind,” stated Zahoor Ahmad, a parent from Shopian.The J&K Sports Council is also assisting by giving due training, equipment, and support to younger players. The coaches assert that local talent is brimming with potential. “I want to play for India one day,” declared 13-year-old Insha, beaming. “Coach Sumayah believes in me, and now I believe in myself too.” This Shopian cricket centre is not only training players. It is giving hope, constructing dreams, and proving that anything can be achieved with guidance and effort even at the most unexpected places.