In the picturesque landscape of Kashmir, a quiet revolution is unfolding as women defy societal norms and carve a niche for themselves in the world of sports. Against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the stories of female athletes like Nadiya Nighat, Bilquis Mir, and Sadia Tariq have become beacons of inspiration, challenging stereotypes and rewriting the narrative for women in the region. Before the 1990s, few female athletes from Kashmir gained global recognition. This is changing, with more women now making significant strides in the world of sports.

A 2017 study by Bilal Ahmed Bhat et al found that despite a liking for sports among girl students in Kashmir, various factors such as cultural influences, ethnicity, physical challenges, and political disturbances act as deterrents, hindering active participation. Another study in 2016 by Javaid Ahmad Ganaie revealed that 88% of female respondents in Kashmir express a liking for sports, with 82% desiring active participation. While 94% view sports positively for holistic development, 91% recognize the challenges tied to ethnic identities. Varying opinions on cultural, ethnic, and societal factors influencing women’s participation were evident, with constraints from parents, family, and society limiting women’s involvement in sports. Samreen Mushtaq’s Feb 2020 paper delves into the discourse of development and empowerment in Kashmir, highlighting India’s efforts to empower women amid terrorism and separatism. The paper emphasizes the intersection of gender and conflict, acknowledging challenges while underscoring how women in Kashmir assert their rights amid ongoing conflict.

The recent triumph of the Baramulla Stars in the Women’s Premier League 2023 cricket tournament signals a change. On a sunlit day at the Showkat Ali Stadium in Baramulla, the women’s cricket team displayed an extraordinary performance, clinching the title with a resounding nine-wicket victory over the Budgam Cricket Club. This victory not only showcases the talent and determination of the women cricketers in Kashmir, but also highlights the growing importance of platforms like the Women’s Premier League in providing opportunities for women in cricket. Despite varied challenges, Sabreen, a participant, expressed gratitude to the Indian Army and UT Administration for providing a remarkable platform through the Women’s Cricket League, encouraging girls to showcase their talents. Sakeena Akhtar, coach of the University of Kashmir team during the Kashmir Women’s Premier League in the previous years, highlighted the substantial boost in self-confidence resulting from top-notch facilities, including high-standard sports gear and accommodation.

However, the success of the WPL is just one chapter in the broader narrative of women’s sports in Kashmir. Icons like Nadiya Nighat, who became Kashmir’s first female football coach, and Bilquis Mir, an Olympian in kayaking-canoeing, have shattered stereotypes and paved the way for a new generation of female athletes. Cricket ranks as the most popular sport in Jammu and Kashmir, with notable figures like Irfan Pathan mentoring the state’s cricket team. The team actively participates in events like the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, boasting players such as Parvez Rasool and Abdul Samad. The Army has even encouraged the sport in snow covered valleys near the LoC. Football, too, is widely popular in Jammu and Kashmir. Real Kashmir F.C. and Lonestar Kashmir F.C. represent the region in the I-League. Players like Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Ishfaq Ahmed have made significant contributions. Initiatives, such as providing a football team for every village and night football with locally set up floodlights, underline the sport’s prominence.

The hilly terrain and flowing rivers in Jammu and Kashmir provide opportunities for water skiing, paragliding, mountaineering, biking, cycling etc. Athletes from Leh, like Tsewang Paljor and Sonam Wangyal, have made significant contributions to mountaineering. Under the initiative of the govt and the army, Adventure sports will soon make a debut in the Kashmir valley. The National Winter Games, Khelo India Winter Games and Chinar Open Winter games (held in Gulmarg) underscore Jammu and Kashmir’s potential for winter sports. The region, with its breathtaking landscapes, hosted successful events, with athletes from the state and the Indian Army securing top honours in alpine skiing, slalom, snow baseball, ice hockey, and snowshoeing. Introduced in 2004, Snow Rugby has gained traction in Srinagar, with around 3000 girls participating by 2018. This unique adaptation of the sport reflects the resilience and adaptability of the region’s sports culture.

Kashmiri girls are breaking barriers in international and national sports events, marking their presence from the Olympics to the Asian Games. In the 1990s, Olympian Bilquis Mir, hailing from a middle-class background, defied odds in kayaking-canoeing, clinching medals and becoming the first Kashmiri woman judge in the Olympian Games, set for a repeat at the Asian Games in China. At 33, she also served as India’s water sports coach for kayaking and canoeing. Wushu prodigy Sadia Tariq, securing a gold medal at the Moscow Wushu Stars event, became the first Indian girl to achieve such an accolade. At age 15, Sadia was a two-time Junior National Wushu Championship gold medalist, earning praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet and serving as an inspiration for girls in the Union Territory. This paradigm shift signifies the potential for more success stories like Sadia’s in the future.

Insha, a 27-year-old from Beerwah village in Kashmir’s Budgam district, has defied adversity to become the region’s first women’s international wheelchair basketball player. Despite losing both limbs in an accident, Insha pursued her passion for basketball and is now the captain of the J&K wheelchair basketball women’s team. Awarded by the Sports Minister of India and the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, Insha’s determination led her team to the quarter-finals in 2019, earning her the Player of the Year title. Insha’s inspirational journey extends beyond sports, as she shared her story through a TED talk, becoming a symbol of endurance for differently-abled individuals. Just 8 years of age, Fazeelat Aslam from Handwara, Jammu & Kashmir, won a gold medal in the 13th & 14th National Field Indoor Archery Championship on 03 Feb 2024 in Pune. Representing the state, Fazeelat secured first place in the under 10-year age category, showcasing exceptional talent among more than 250 participants from 15 states and union territories.

The lack of proper infrastructure and training facilities had discouraged boys and men from pursuing sports careers in Kashmir. For women, societal stigma and gender inequality add further challenges to entering professional sports. Terrorism has significantly impacted the sporting scene, with attacks on venues disrupting matches and closing facilities. Athletes faced threats, hindering training and participation. However, in the post-terrorism era, sports are making a comeback. Women like Afreen Hyder, Afshan Ashiq, and Tajamul Islam are breaking barriers, indicating a positive shift in Kashmir’s sporting landscape. Legislative changes, such as the abrogation of Article 370, increased visibility, brand endorsements, and the remarkable achievements of individual athletes have contributed to the evolution of the sports landscape in Kashmir. The establishment of the “Jammu and Kashmir Sports cadre” and the annual Women’s Premier League are indicative of a broader shift towards recognizing and nurturing talent at both the national and international levels.

Despite these triumphs, challenges persist. Disparities in pay and sponsorship deals compared to male counterparts remain significant hurdles for female athletes in Kashmir. The gender pay gap, body image pressures, unequal funding, and limited opportunities for women in coaching and leadership roles are issues that need continued attention. In the changing political backdrop, the government has encouraged sports initiatives to give the youth positive focus away from the radicalisation attempts of inimical interests. In addition, Operation Sadbhavana by the Indian Army aims to engage and uplift the region’s youth through sporting activities. The Fit India Movement’s one-year anniversary saw Prime Minister Modi digitally interacting with sportspersons, highlighting the role of sports, exemplified by Afshan Asiq, the captain of Jammu and Kashmir’s first women’s state football team- who was once a stone pelter- in empowering and positively engaging a region grappling with political complexities.

The evolving landscape of women’s sports in Kashmir reflects a remarkable journey of resilience, determination, and empowerment. Against a backdrop of cultural, societal, and political challenges, Kashmiri women are rewriting the narrative, breaking stereotypes, and carving a niche for themselves in various sports arenas. From cricket and football to Martial Arts and wheelchair basketball, female athletes are defying adversity and achieving remarkable success. Despite persistent challenges, initiatives like the Women’s Premier League and government support signify a positive shift towards gender equality in sports. As we celebrate these achievements, it’s clear that the journey towards true equity is ongoing, but the triumphs and stories of Kashmiri women in sports serve as inspirations for generations to come.