Pune: In an effort to promote national integration through sports, a 15-member women's cricket team from North Kashmir has set out on a special tour to Pune under Operation Sadhbhavana. The initiative, organized in collaboration with the Chinar Corps and Aseem Foundation, aims to empower young Kashmiri athletes by providing them with high-level competitive exposure and professional mentorship.
The tour, scheduled from March 12 to March 26, 2025, will allow these aspiring cricketers to participate in three matches at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) ground. The matches will feature Ranji players, offering the Kashmiri team first-hand experience of national-level cricket and a platform to hone their skills.
Beyond cricket, the players will have the opportunity to visit the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Sports Museum, giving them insights into Pune’s rich military and sporting heritage. They will also engage in interactive sessions with top women coaches, Maharashtra’s leading cricketers, and a selector from the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), gaining career guidance and valuable exposure to professional cricket.
The tour will also feature exhibition matches followed by discussions with Pune’s sports community, allowing these young athletes to network, learn from professionals, and build connections in the larger cricketing ecosystem.
Operation Sadhbhavana, a long-standing initiative by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, continues to foster sports, education, and cultural integration between Kashmir and the rest of India. This cricket tour serves as a testament to the power of sports in bridging regional divides and inspiring young talent.