Two Kashmiri girls to represent India at Women’s Asia Cup Softball Championship in China

July 10, 2025 by News Desk

Shaista Wani from Srinagar and Farhana Rehman from Pulwama have been selected to represent India at the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup Softball Championship, set to be held from July 14 to 20 at the Sports Stadium in Xi’an, China.

Organised by the Chinese Softball Association under the aegis of Softball Asia, the tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Women’s Softball World Cup. India will need to finish in the top two to secure a berth at the global event.

The two athletes were selected following national trials conducted by the Softball Association of India (SBAI) on April 15 and 16. They also participated in two national training camps—one in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and the other at Vikas Puri Stadium in New Delhi.

Officials from Jammu and Kashmir have lauded their achievement. Youth Services and Sports Minister Satish Sharma, Commissioner Secretary Sarmad Hafeez (IAS), and Sports Council Secretary Nuzhat Gul congratulated both players, terming their selection a significant milestone for women’s sports in the Union Territory.

Waseem Raja Khan, Honorary General Secretary of the J&K Softball Association and Joint Secretary of SBAI, announced that a felicitation ceremony will be organised upon the athletes’ return. The Indian contingent is scheduled to depart for China on July 12.