Jasia Akhtar, first Kashmiri to join the Indian Women's Cricket Camp

Against all odds, Jasia Akhtar, a native of Braripora village in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, becomes the first woman cricketer from Kashmir to have booked a place in the Indian Women Cricket Camp (IWCC). She is only second to Roopali Slathia from Jammu and Kashmir to have achieved the feat.

Back in 2013, the cricketer left Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) to opt to play for Punjab. She was largely skeptical about her performances against national level players on a foreign soil. Due to scarce cricketing opportunities and unsuitable weather condition, Jasia finally decided to migrate to Punjab after playing 15 years of cricket representing Jammu and Kashmir.

“Snow and rainfall would consume almost our eight months here. And then cricket activities were very less coupled with frequent strikes. I had to take this decision even though I was scared whether I can make it. I haven’t revealed it to my parents yet as I want to pull a surprise on them. My brothers who know about it actually are very excited. It is really a proud moment for me because I am the only female cricketer from Kashmir to achieve this feat,” stated Jasia Akhtar according to Kashmir Monitor.

Jasia comes from a moderate background

After three years of toil and hard work, she finally achieved the unprecedented feat from Kashmir and joined the national camp. “When my coach first informed me that I have been selected, I couldn’t believe it. I have remained out of the state during all these years and concentrated on my game to learn more and perform better,” added the Kashmiri cricketer.

“My father is a farmer and mother housewife. They have never doubted my capabilities and always supported me to concentrate on the game. I remember when I got the offer to play for Punjab they supported me morally due to which results have been better. I wish to play for the team and for that I will work hard as this experience will count in future,” concluded Jasia Akhtar.