by Ibtisam Fayaz Khan
SRINAGAR: In a historic achievement for Indian-origin athletes, Vandana Mahajan, a 34-year-old from Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir, has etched her name into the annals of international cricket by securing a place in the Canada Women’s National Cricket Team. This rare accomplishment makes her only the second player from the region to represent an international side, following in the footsteps of Chhaya Mughal, who played for the UAE. Vandana’s journey, which spans continents and is marked by relentless determination, stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, passion, and an unwavering love for the game of cricket.
Childhood Shaped by Cricket
Born in the picturesque town of Bhaderwah, Vandana’s cricketing journey began at the tender age of six. In the absence of structured pathways for girls in the sport, she trained alongside her brothers and local boys, her dedication never faltering. Her father, Dr Viney Kumar, fondly recalls, “She would always be playing with her brothers, honing her skills, as there were no girls playing cricket in Bhaderwah back then.”
Despite the challenges, Vandana nurtured her passion for cricket while excelling academically. She completed her early education at Bhartiya Vidya Mandir in Bhaderwah before moving to Carmel Convent School in Jammu for her higher secondary studies. Even as she pursued an engineering degree in Tamil Nadu, cricket remained an integral part of her life, leading her to represent Jammu and Kashmir in numerous state-level tournaments.
The Road to Canada
After earning her degree in Information Technology, Vandana briefly played for her state team before relocating to Bangalore to pursue an MBA. The move did not deter her from the game; instead, she continued to refine her skills. Eventually, she made her way to Canada, where she embraced a dual identity—balancing her role as an entrepreneur with her enduring passion for cricket. She completed a diploma with honours in Advertising Media Management at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario, where she learned to merge business fundamentals with media communications. Despite her professional commitments, cricket remained her true calling, and her relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in her selection for the Canada Women’s National Cricket Team.
Cricket and Marketing
Vandana’s career extends beyond the cricket pitch. Since October 2023, she has held a full-time remote position as a Marketing Specialist at Prestige Eyewear in Mississauga, Ontario. Her expertise in Instagram strategy, social media optimisation, and digital marketing has allowed her to thrive in the field while balancing her sporting commitments.
Alongside her marketing role, she serves as the Head Coach at J’s Cricket Academy in Toronto, where she has been mentoring aspiring cricketers since October 2023. Her experience as both a player and a coach makes her an invaluable guide for the next generation.
Vandana is also the Co-Founder of JVRD Ventures LLP, a company she established in April 2016. For the past nine years, she has managed the business remotely from Bengaluru, Karnataka, specialising in social media optimisation and community management.
Her recent selection for Canada’s squad in the ICC Women’s T20I Americas Region Qualifier in Argentina is the result of years of dedication. Competing against teams from the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and Canada, she has made an impact as a fast-bowling all-rounder.
Her ability to perform under pressure was evident in July 2023, when she played a decisive role in Ontario Heat’s triumph at the National Women’s T20 Championship at Maple Leaf Cricket Club. Her standout performance in the final against British Columbia not only secured the title but also earned her the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
Defying Limits
For Vandana, cricket is more than a sport; it is a journey of perseverance and self-discovery. At 34, when many athletes consider stepping away, she is challenging perceptions of age in professional sports. Her story is a testament to resilience, carrying a powerful message for aspiring female cricketers: ambition has no expiry date.
From the narrow lanes of Bhaderwah to international cricketing arenas, her rise symbolises hope for young athletes, particularly women striving to break barriers. She has not only brought honour to her family but has also placed Jammu and Kashmir on the global cricketing map.
Her father, Dr Viney Kumar, speaks with evident pride. “It has been a long and difficult road for Vandana,” he says. “But her hard work has finally borne fruit. This is not just a proud moment for our family—it is for the entire Jammu and Kashmir region.”
With international tours ahead and Canada’s cricketing ambitions growing, Vandana is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of women’s cricket in the country. Beyond the field, she remains a source of inspiration, demonstrating that determination and passion can carry dreams across borders and onto the global stage.
A Life Beyond the Pitch
In addition to her cricketing and marketing pursuits, Vandana Mahajan runs her own company, Techtical Services, where she works as an Advertising Media Manager. She also operates a small cricket academy, JCA, nurturing young talent and passing on her expertise.
The academy’s name holds deep personal significance. The “J” in JCA is a tribute to Jonsnow, her beloved pet who passed away in 2023. More than a companion, Jonsnow was part of her journey, travelling with her from India to Toronto—a presence she cherished both on and off the field.
Reflecting on the support that shaped her career, Vandana Mahajan acknowledges the role of her family. “I want to thank my cousins and family,” she says. “They ensured I was always involved in the game as a young girl. Their unwavering support helped me reach where I am today.”
She also expresses her hopes for young cricketers in her home region. “Jammu and Kashmir has immense talent. With persistence, training, and hard work, the rewards do come. I would love to see many players from J&K compete at the international level.”
