SRINAGAR: Two players from Jammu and Kashmir, Shaista Wani of Srinagar and Farhana Rehman of Pulwama, have been selected to represent India at the Asia Cup (Women) Softball Championship, scheduled from July 14 to 20 at the Sports Stadium in Xi’an, China.
The event, organised by the Chinese Softball Association under Softball Asia, serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Women’s Softball World Cup. India must finish in the top two to secure qualification.
Shaista and Farhana were selected following national trials conducted by the Softball Association of India (SBAI) on April 15 and 16. Both athletes underwent training in two national camps—first in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and later at Vikas Puri Stadium, New Delhi.
Officials from the JK administration, including Youth Services and Sports Minister Satish Sharma, Commissioner Secretary Sarmad Hafeez (IAS), and Sports Council Secretary Nuzhat Gul, congratulated the athletes, calling their selection a 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, said a felicitation ceremony would be held upon their return. The Indian team is scheduled to leave for China on July 12.
