Kashmir-Pune Friendship Trophy: MCA team wins match, Kashmiri women cricketers win hearts

The first match of the Kashmir-Pune Friendship Trophy, held at MCA Ground 2 at Gahunje was not just about cricket but a celebration of resilience, courage and true sportsmanship. Well fought game saw the Kashmir team, coming straight from subzero temperatures and displaying remarkable dedication and passion on the field. Their incredible journey and determination earned them not just admiration but also the trophy itself. In an extraordinary gesture, the MCA team, after winning the match, handed over the trophy to the Kashmir Women Team in recognition of their sportsmanship, perseverance and resilience.

The match was attended by the NDA Commandant Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, who applauded the efforts of the Chinar Corps, congratulating them for their commitment to this initiative, which has been empowering youth from Kashmir since 2020. The toss was conducted by senior sports journalist Sunandan Lele, who also spent time interacting with the players before the match, sharing valuable insights and motivation. “The presence of MCA Apex Team members, including CEO and Secretary, made the occasion even more special, reaffirming MCA’s strong commitment to supporting women’s cricket,” a press statement issued in this regard stated.

The occasion was dedicated to Late Col Manpreet Singh, a charismatic leader who made supreme sacrifice, in line of duty and was awarded Kirti Chakra posthumously last year. With the spirit of cricket and friendship taking center stage, the Women Cricket Team tour to Pune has set the tone for more inspiring moments in the matches to come. This event would provide a unique opportunity to our Kashmiri women cricketers to break barriers, give wings to their dreams and inspire the young generation to pursue their aspirations.

The tour of the Kashmir Women’s Cricket team which started on March 12, is slated to conclude on March 26. During their stay in Pune, the team participated in three matches at the MCA ground, featuring Ranji players, allowing them to experience national-level cricket first-hand. Additionally, the tour also includes a visit to the premier National Defence Academy (NDA) offering them a deeper understanding of the city’s military heritage.

The tour also includes interactive sessions with renowned women coaches, Maharashtra’s top cricketers and selectors, providing mentorship and valuable insights into professional cricket. Exhibition matches will be followed by discussions with Pune’s sports fraternity, fostering networking opportunities and learning from experienced professionals.

In a post on X, Army’s Chinar Corps said, “During their inaugural match the Team (Kashmir Women’s Team) showcased exceptional talent, athleticism, competitiveness and unwavering spirit. These budding cricketers are breaking barriers, chasing dreams and inspiring the Nation. Indian Army remains committed to promote the sports talent of Kashmir and facilitate their contribution to Nation Building.”