Srinagar: In a region where opportunities for young women in competitive sport remain limited, the Chinar Women’s Premier League 2026 is creating a new sporting platform for female athletes from Kashmir and Ladakh, with the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps stepping in to provide them a stage to compete, gain exposure and pursue their sporting ambitions.&nbsp;Organised by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps (15 Corps), the league has brought together 12 women’s cricket teams from across Kashmir, offering young cricketers an opportunity to play in a structured competitive environment and showcase their talent beyond their local grounds.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pa-c-k-of-lies-pakistan-s-ai-victory-video-claims-hits-on-32-iaf-bases-8-aircraft-2-s-400s-and-indian-parliament-1788792189590">Pa(c)k of lies: Pakistan’s AI ‘victory’ video claims hits on 32 IAF bases, 8 aircraft, 2 S-400s and Indian Parliament</a>&nbsp;For many of the participating players, the league represents more than just a cricket tournament. It provides exposure, competitive experience and an opportunity to build confidence and important stepping stones for young athletes aspiring to progress to higher levels of the sport.&nbsp;The initiative is also drawing attention among local communities, particularly young girls, who have welcomed the sight of women taking centre stage in a competitive sporting arena.&nbsp;Locals said platforms such as the women’s league could encourage more girls to take up cricket and other sports, while giving aspiring athletes the confidence to view sport as a serious pursuit.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/secret-reactor-in-syria-could-have-been-used-for-nuclear-weapons-says-iaea-after-finding-73-tonnes-of-natural-uranium-1788812570475">‘Secret reactor in Syria could have been used for nuclear weapons,’ says IAEA after finding 73 tonnes of natural uranium</a>&nbsp;“I am here representing the Bandipora team in the Chinar Women’s Premier League. There was a time when women were told that they belonged in the kitchen, but today, we are here on the playground, proving that we belong anywhere we choose to be. We are here to prove our mettle and show what we are capable of. The Chinar Women’s Premier League has given us the confidence to believe that we can compete not just here, but anywhere in the world,” said Khushboo Yaseen, a player.&nbsp;The Army’s involvement has given the tournament an added dimension, with the Chinar Corps using sport as a means of creating opportunities for young women and encouraging greater participation in organised athletics.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/7-foot-python-found-hiding-in-car-s-engine-in-mumbai-rescue-video-goes-viral-1788800825739">7-foot python found hiding in car’s engine in Mumbai; rescue video goes viral | Watch</a>&nbsp;The tournament also marked a significant first with the participation of a women’s cricket team from Ladakh. The inclusion of the team has expanded the league’s reach beyond Kashmir and given women cricketers from the Union Territory an opportunity to compete alongside players from different parts of the region.&nbsp;The participation of the Ladakh team has further strengthened the league’s message of inclusion. Bringing together women players from Kashmir and Ladakh allows athletes from different parts of the region to interact, compete and learn from one another, while creating a sense of sporting camaraderie across geographical boundaries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-kills-wife-stores-her-severed-head-and-chopped-fingers-in-fridge-arrested-1788785818077">Man kills wife, stores her severed head and chopped fingers in fridge; arrested</a>&nbsp;“I have come from Ladakh, and I am very thankful to the Indian Army for providing us with this wonderful opportunity to play. This is the first time we have come to play in Baramulla, and for us, it is not just a dream but a very special opportunity to represent Ladakh at this level. We performed really well, and the people here have been so warm and welcoming. It feels great to be here, play at this level, and represent Ladakh,” said Hakeema Bano, a player from Ladakh.&nbsp;Beyond the results on the field, the league is therefore emerging as a grassroots initiative aimed at nurturing women’s sporting talent. By providing access to competition and exposure, it is helping young players develop their skills while opening a pathway for them to aspire to larger sporting platforms.

The league is emerging as a grassroots initiative aimed at nurturing women’s sporting talent. By providing access to competition and exposure, it is helping young players develop their skills while opening a pathway for them to aspire to larger sporting platforms.

Srinagar: In a region where opportunities for young women in competitive sport remain limited, the Chinar Women’s Premier League 2026 is creating a new sporting platform for female athletes from Kashmir and Ladakh, with the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps stepping in to provide them a stage to compete, gain exposure and pursue their sporting ambitions. Organised by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps (15 Corps), the league has brought together 12 women’s cricket teams from across Kashmir, offering young cricketers an opportunity to play in a structured competitive environment and showcase their talent beyond their local grounds. Also Read: Pa(c)k of lies: Pakistan’s AI ‘victory’ video claims hits on 32 IAF bases, 8 aircraft, 2 S-400s and Indian Parliament For many of the participating players, the league represents more than just a cricket tournament. It provides exposure, competitive experience and an opportunity to build confidence and important stepping stones for young athletes aspiring to progress to higher levels of the sport. The initiative is also drawing attention among local communities, particularly young girls, who have welcomed the sight of women taking centre stage in a competitive sporting arena. Locals said platforms such as the women’s league could encourage more girls to take up cricket and other sports, while giving aspiring athletes the confidence to view sport as a serious pursuit. Also Read: ‘Secret reactor in Syria could have been used for nuclear weapons,’ says IAEA after finding 73 tonnes of natural uranium “I am here representing the Bandipora team in the Chinar Women’s Premier League. There was a time when women were told that they belonged in the kitchen, but today, we are here on the playground, proving that we belong anywhere we choose to be. We are here to prove our mettle and show what we are capable of. The Chinar Women’s Premier League has given us the confidence to believe that we can compete not just here, but anywhere in the world,” said Khushboo Yaseen, a player. The Army’s involvement has given the tournament an added dimension, with the Chinar Corps using sport as a means of creating opportunities for young women and encouraging greater participation in organised athletics. Also Read: 7-foot python found hiding in car’s engine in Mumbai; rescue video goes viral | Watch The tournament also marked a significant first with the participation of a women’s cricket team from Ladakh. The inclusion of the team has expanded the league’s reach beyond Kashmir and given women cricketers from the Union Territory an opportunity to compete alongside players from different parts of the region. The participation of the Ladakh team has further strengthened the league’s message of inclusion. Bringing together women players from Kashmir and Ladakh allows athletes from different parts of the region to interact, compete and learn from one another, while creating a sense of sporting camaraderie across geographical boundaries. Also Read: Man kills wife, stores her severed head and chopped fingers in fridge; arrested “I have come from Ladakh, and I am very thankful to the Indian Army for providing us with this wonderful opportunity to play. This is the first time we have come to play in Baramulla, and for us, it is not just a dream but a very special opportunity to represent Ladakh at this level. We performed really well, and the people here have been so warm and welcoming. It feels great to be here, play at this level, and represent Ladakh,” said Hakeema Bano, a player from Ladakh. Beyond the results on the field, the league is therefore emerging as a grassroots initiative aimed at nurturing women’s sporting talent. By providing access to competition and exposure, it is helping young players develop their skills while opening a pathway for them to aspire to larger sporting platforms.

The league is emerging as a grassroots initiative aimed at nurturing women’s sporting talent. By providing access to competition and exposure, it is helping young players develop their skills while opening a pathway for them to aspire to larger sporting platforms.

Army-backed women’s cricket league opens new sporting platform for Kashmir, Ladakh players

The sound of drums replaced the sound of fear. Under a sky lit by floodlights, thousands gathered at Pulwama's cricket stadium not for a protest, not in fear, but to watch cricket. More than 20,000 people turned up as the second edition of the Royal Premier League began, transforming the stadium into a carnival of cheers, claps and celebration. For a district once repeatedly associated with violence and unrest, the scenes were striking.&nbsp;The crowd was so large that managing it became a challenge for the police. At one point, spectators had to be persuaded to move towards the Ground to ease the pressure around the stadium. In an unfortunate incident, six people were injured after a stadium wall collapsed. But even the disruption could not dampen the mood.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-waste-to-wonder-srinagar-gets-its-first-wonder-garden-1787222135572">From waste to wonder: Srinagar gets its first wonder garden</a>&nbsp;The excitement was palpable as fans packed the venue to watch the opening game of the day-night tournament. Youngsters, families and cricket enthusiasts came together, turning an ordinary sporting event into a celebration of a changing social atmosphere in South Kashmir.&nbsp;For the organisers, that was precisely the idea. The tournament was envisioned as a way of bringing “light, happiness and hope” to young people offering them a space to meet, celebrate and simply enjoy a game they love.&nbsp;And the response was overwhelming. The return of the Royal Premier League has been welcomed by locals, many of whom see sporting events as an important way to engage the youth and create a positive environment. Cricket, in this setting, is not merely about runs and wickets. It is also about reclaiming public spaces for joy and bringing communities together.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/keran-witnesses-historic-midnight-independence-day-celebration-along-loc-1786791619379">Keran witnesses historic midnight Independence Day celebration along LoC</a>&nbsp;Ten teams from across Kashmir are taking part in this year's tournament. PDP MLA Waheed Para unveiled the trophy, while Pulwama SSP Tanushree conducted the toss before the opening match.&nbsp;The RPL had generated considerable excitement during its first edition last year, and its return has once again brought cricket fever to South Kashmir. On Wednesday night, however, the biggest story may not have been what happened on the pitch. It was what happened around it. The floodlights came on. The drums began to beat. Thousands cheered. And for a few hours, Pulwama was simply a place where people had come to watch cricket.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Royal Premier League (RPL) 2026 has returned to Sports Stadium Pulwama. Thousands of fans gathered under floodlights as 10 local teams from across Kashmir compete in a 24-match T20 leather-ball tournament.

The sound of drums replaced the sound of fear. Under a sky lit by floodlights, thousands gathered at Pulwama's cricket stadium not for a protest, not in fear, but to watch cricket. More than 20,000 people turned up as the second edition of the Royal Premier League began, transforming the stadium into a carnival of cheers, claps and celebration. For a district once repeatedly associated with violence and unrest, the scenes were striking. The crowd was so large that managing it became a challenge for the police. At one point, spectators had to be persuaded to move towards the Ground to ease the pressure around the stadium. In an unfortunate incident, six people were injured after a stadium wall collapsed. But even the disruption could not dampen the mood. Also read: From waste to wonder: Srinagar gets its first wonder garden The excitement was palpable as fans packed the venue to watch the opening game of the day-night tournament. Youngsters, families and cricket enthusiasts came together, turning an ordinary sporting event into a celebration of a changing social atmosphere in South Kashmir. For the organisers, that was precisely the idea. The tournament was envisioned as a way of bringing “light, happiness and hope” to young people offering them a space to meet, celebrate and simply enjoy a game they love. And the response was overwhelming. The return of the Royal Premier League has been welcomed by locals, many of whom see sporting events as an important way to engage the youth and create a positive environment. Cricket, in this setting, is not merely about runs and wickets. It is also about reclaiming public spaces for joy and bringing communities together. Also read: Keran witnesses historic midnight Independence Day celebration along LoC Ten teams from across Kashmir are taking part in this year's tournament. PDP MLA Waheed Para unveiled the trophy, while Pulwama SSP Tanushree conducted the toss before the opening match. The RPL had generated considerable excitement during its first edition last year, and its return has once again brought cricket fever to South Kashmir. On Wednesday night, however, the biggest story may not have been what happened on the pitch. It was what happened around it. The floodlights came on. The drums began to beat. Thousands cheered. And for a few hours, Pulwama was simply a place where people had come to watch cricket.

The Royal Premier League (RPL) 2026 has returned to Sports Stadium Pulwama. Thousands of fans gathered under floodlights as 10 local teams from across Kashmir compete in a 24-match T20 leather-ball tournament.

Royal Premier 2026: Thousands gather in Pulwama as 2nd season of cricket league returns

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Army-backed women’s cricket league opens new sporting platform for Kashmir, Ladakh players

From Fear to Festivity: Pulwama Roars for Cricket