Srinagar: In 2021, the Indian Army came up with the idea of conducting a cricket championship for girls in Kupwara. Under Operation Sadhbhavana, the same was organised wherein six teams participated in the inaugural edition.
Army continued its efforts to motivate more participants and in 2022, the number of teams increased to 14. Seeing the enthusiasm, ASEEM Foundation, a Pune-based NGO working for youth and women empowerment in the border regions of India, proposed the idea of conducting practice and exhibition matches for selected girl cricket players at Pune.
In 2023, while conducting the yearly championship, 16 girls were selected for a tour to Pune. These girls were then trained by resident players and an Op Sadhbhavana project was sought for their kiting and move from Kupwara to Pune and Back.
Accordingly, a team of 16 players along with the Officer in Charge (Women Officer ), JCO-IC, two NCOs (NA and Coach) were flagged off from Patahiri Garrison on 12 Dec 23 for a 14-day tour with effect from 15 to 24 Dec 2023.
The team met Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, AVSM, GOC-in-C, Northern Command on December 14 and proceeded to Jammu for their onward journey to Pune. The Army Commander complimented the team members for their selection and exhorted them to imbibe the sportswoman spirit in their everyday endeavours.
During their tour, the players will get an opportunity to play matches at National level Stadiums besides interacting with National and Ranji Players. The highlight would be witnessing the India-Austrilia Match in Mumbai and local sight-seeing.
