Legendary Sachin Tendulkar and World T20 champion Irfan Pathan hailed the Indian Army's Northern Command's 19 Rashtriya Rifles for successfully organising a Women's Cricket League in the Anantnag district of Dooru Town. 


The NGO Aseem Foundation has partnered with the Indian Army to encourage women's cricket and re-energize sports activities in Jammu & Kashmir, which has been stagnant for almost six months due to the COVID-forced lockdown. 


It was a knockout league containing 4 teams from Dooru, Anantnag and Kulgam. On October 14, league matches were held while the final was played on Wednesday. In total, more than 70 women took part in the games , ” a press release said. 


Rubiya Sayyed of Anantnag and senior journalist Sunandan Lele have also endorsed this initiative. 


Northern Command Col Dharmendra Yadav praised the performances of the participants.


"I would like to congratulate the Indian Army's 19 Rashtriya Rifles and the Aseem Foundation on organising the tournament. I'd like to praise all the women cricketers who have practised hard and played in this tournament. The uniqueness of sport is that no gender is identified. It sees just your talent and your hard work,' said Tendulkar in a video message. 


"The Indian women's team is one of the best in the world, and who knows that one of these women will soon represent the country," said Tendulkar. 


For his part, Pathan, who has been a mentor to the senior state team of Jammu and Kashmir, said that this new initiative is a step towards unlocking new talent from the region. 


I invested a lot of time and I can vouch that the area has no lack of talent. I would like to thank the 19RR and Aseem Foundation for providing an opportunity for these women , ” said the former all-rounder.