In the heart of Sopore, nestled within the scenic outskirts of North Kashmir, a young cricket sensation is capturing hearts and headlines alike. Meet Hurmat Irshad Bhat, a 9-year-old girl whose exceptional cricketing skills have set the internet abuzz with admiration.
Hurmat’s awe-inspiring shots, reminiscent of seasoned professionals, have garnered widespread attention online. Her video, showcasing her remarkable talent, caught the eye of none other than cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who took to social media to express his delight.
Sharing her video on X platform, Tendulkar remarked, “Always good to see young girls playing cricket. Watching videos like these brings a smile to my face.”
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Guardian, Hurmat, a student at Prime Public School Zaingeer, revealed the origins of her passion for cricket. “My grandfather used to take me to the ground where he would help me play cricket,” she shared. “I have been playing with the kids from my village for a long time now.”
Inspired by the iconic Mithali Raj, Hurmat harbors dreams of donning the Indian jersey someday. “I have seen videos of Mithali Raj playing cricket for the Indian team, which really inspired me,” she said. “I want to play for Team India one day.”
The daughter of a driver, Hurmat has become a sensation on social media, earning accolades from netizens worldwide. Many have urged for her to receive professional coaching, recognizing her potential to shine in women’s cricket.
Expressing pride and hope for his daughter’s future, Hurmat’s father, Irshad Ahmad, said, “She is playing great cricket at such a young age, and if she receives support, she can not only represent Kashmir but also Team India in the future. She can be an inspiration for thousands of girls, especially in the villages.”
Amidst the fervor surrounding Hurmat’s meteoric rise, calls have been made to the administration to provide the necessary support to nurture her talent and fulfill her aspirations. Hurmat’s story resonates deeply in a region undergoing transformative changes in sports participation, particularly among girls, post the abrogation of Article 370. With increased focus and encouragement from the Central government, young talents like Hurmat are finding avenues to shine on the national stage.
Her journey epitomizes the spirit of determination and possibility that pervades the burgeoning sports scene in Kashmir. As Hurmat aims for the stars, she stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the region, symbolizing the potential that lies within Kashmir’s youth.