Excelsior Sports Correspondent
DODA, Jan 31: Hafsah Khanday, a talented 14-year-old from the remote village of Gadi in Doda, is making waves in women’s cricket. Participating in the 68th National School Games (Under-19 Women’s Tournament 2025) in Udaipur, Rajasthan, Hafsah’s remarkable performance is turning heads across the cricket community.
In a game against IPSC (Indian Public School Conference), where Jammu & Kashmir secured a 51-run victory, Hafsah was pivotal to her team’s triumph. She took 3 wickets for just 12 runs in 3 overs, showcasing her ability to generate both bounce and pace, which proved challenging for the opposing team. Her assertive bowling style unsettled the IPSC batters, and she achieved an impressive economy rate of only 3.33 runs per over.
Hafsah also showcased her batting skills, scoring 14 runs off 33 balls while remaining unbeaten, thereby playing an essential role in helping J&K set a competitive total.
Despite growing up in a village with limited resources, Hafsah, a 9th-grade student, has overcome many challenges to chase her cricketing dreams, thanks in part to the unwavering support of her parents.
Looking ahead, Hafsah aspires to represent India in the Under-19 Women’s World Cup and to play for the Indian Women’s National Team.
After being awarded Player of the Match, Hafsah expressed her heartfelt thanks, stating, “I am grateful to my parents for their relentless support. Coming from a small village, I never imagined I’d have such opportunities. My ultimate goal is to wear the India jersey, and I am committed to making that dream a reality.”
As J&K gears up for the upcoming quarter-final match against Madhya Pradesh on February 1, all eyes will be on Hafsah. Should she continue her impressive form, she could play a crucial role in guiding J&K to victory. The finale of the National School Games Under-19 Women’s Tournament is scheduled for February 3, and Hafsah’s contributions could help her team secure a top spot. With her innate talent, natural pace, and fearless spirit, Hafsah is undoubtedly a player to watch in the future of Indian women’s cricket.
