IQRA RASOOL : DREAM COME TRUE
“ There are some people who live in a dream world and there are some who face reality and then there are those who turn one into the other.” This is a quote by Douglas H. Everett which very appropriately describes the journey of Iqra Rasool, National level cricket player from Jammu and Kashmir. She has represented Jammu and Kashmir 5 times in national level cricket which is applaudable in its own.
In the past, there was a time in Kashmir when cricket or any equivalent sport was not on the thinking horizons of populace owing to many factors such as militancy, unstable government, disrupted law and order,lack of infrastructure, unemployment etc. These issues acted as hindrance in limiting the thinking of the kids and youth in becoming a part of the main league. In addition to this,the challenges doubled in case of a girl or a woman. A society which adhered stringently to social behaviour of denying fundamental rights to woman. It was way more difficult for a female to be vocal about her dreams and ambitions. But, this girl proved it that determination surpasses hurdles. Iqra Rasool has dared to dream something so courageous and beautiful which many feared to even think. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” This sole thought stimulated her to begin a journey which seemed unachievable to many.
Iqra Rasool, a bright 17 yr old girl hails from a very small village of North Kashmir named Dangiwacha in Baramulla district. She was 14 when she got selected in under 19 team to represent her state. After which she got the opportunity to represent J&K 5 times at the national level. Her journey is remarkable and inspiring because of the challenges she has faced at every footstep. She belongs to a place where basic education for Girls is not ranked essential as a priority. Thus, Sports and other activities are nowhere to be found in the picture. However, Iqra was fortunate enough to be allowed to attend school by her father who later played a significant role in realisation of her dream that she had as a kid. Her father, who is a farmer realised that Iqra was very skilled in sports, supported her morally and financially as far as his pocket could allowed. Iqra completed her 10th grade from Government Girls High School, Dangiwacha. Iqra recalls the time when there was a local tournament in the Rafiabad organised by Indian Army and she participated in it. Iqra says “ I had somehow convinced my father to watch the tournament who was not a sport enthusiast as such. I did not inform him about my participation. It was a surprise for him to see me play on the ground. I am happy that the surprise did not end up in a mess.” She laughs on this anecdote. In school, Iqra tried hands at many sports such as Volleyball, shotput&Kho-Kho. It was during these games where she impeccably dodged her opponents,her sports teacher Mr Sarfaraz Nabi identified her skills and sportsmanship. He convinced her about the latent potential she had and asked her to play cricket. Initially, Iqra wanted to bat and master this art. But, on request of her teacher she learned bowling. This resulted in the emergence of a cricket star-IqraRasool who was 13 when she embraced this journey. The spark in her lit the fervour to persuade what was once thought to be impossible by others.
In her journey, she faced obstacles but they failed to defeat her true undying sports spirit. Iqra recollects the testing times of her life when she was facing financial troubles and expresses her gratitude towards the RR unit in Rafiabad, which extended monetary support to her on recognising her talent. She says,”God is been kind to me that I found moral support and guidance from right people in needy times. Had it not been for 32 RR and the Commanding Officer’s interest in searching for budding talent, I would have not grown in my field.” She highlights how she was pinned down by the social pressure and financial problems when 32 RR came to her rescue and gave her wings to fly.
The recent COVID pandemic has caused setback in her training schedule. But, Indian Army has ensured that she has what it takes to continue practicing. Besides, to maintain fitness and commute, a bicycle has also been promised to her so that she doesn’t waste time in reaching the nearby sports ground near the camp.
Iqra Rasool thanks her family and Indian Army , who helped her shine like a star with all the odds.She opines that there lies enough potential in kids and youth of Kashmir, specially girls. It is the task of the youth to recognise their talents and pursue it in a positive direction. She urges that families should be supportive towards their children’s interests be it a boy or a girl. Also, the youth should always remain connected with the army troops in their area, as they always stand by the people and support them in this endeavours. Iqra adds that she has a long road ahead and this is just the beginning of her career. She desires to bring laurels for India and hopes to represent Indian Women Cricket team soon.
After abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A and the state becoming a UT, expectations are high that Kashmir will bloom in all spheres and social situation improves remarkably. The upliftment of society is not complete without strengthing the women. It is important to empower the women in order to have more twinkling Iqras. Fundamental right to education and speech not denied to any gender forms the base of strong society. The girls like Iqra sets example for the entire society specifically women that it is the choice we make towards peace and growth to lead us to a respectful life. She will certainly inspire many young hearts to follow their passion and shape up their lives. This cricket star has painted a new picture of Kashmir. We wish her all the luck for her future endeavours and pray to the almighty that she keeps moving at her own pace as ‘life is a marathon not a race’.
