Rajouri, Feb 11: From the lanes of a border village to national-level cricket championships, 13-year-old Manvi Sharma of Dhangri in Rajouri district is scripting an inspiring journey of determination after earning selection to the Jammu and Kashmir Under-15 girls’ team, overcoming financial constraints and the absence of formal training facilities.
Born into a financially constrained family, Manvi’s journey began not in a professional academy but on the dusty lanes of her village.
At the tender age of eight, she started playing gully cricket with children of labourers working at a nearby brick kiln. What began as a pastime soon revealed itself as a rare talent.
Her natural flair for the game did not go unnoticed. Several senior villagers, themselves known cricket players in the area, spotted her potential early and began encouraging her to pursue the sport seriously. With their constant motivation, Manvi gradually began playing alongside village boys, holding her own with confidence and skill.
Determined to improve, the young cricketer set up a makeshift turf at her residence, where she now spends hours daily honing her batting and bowling techniques. With limited resources but unwavering commitment, Manvi has transformed her home into a personal practice ground.
Her hard work bore fruit when she appeared for the Under-15 Girls’ team trials conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA).
Competing with aspirants from across the Union Territory, Manvi secured selection and went on to represent the team in national-level championships, a significant milestone for the young athlete from a remote border district.
Currently, at the district level, Manvi is actively participating in local cricket tournaments in Rajouri.
Notably, she is the only girl competing among male players, a testament to her courage and competitive spirit.
Senior cricketers of the district are ensuring her regular participation in these tournaments to further sharpen her skills and exposure.
Her parents, local supporters, and mentors stand firmly behind her aspirations. Manvi herself nurtures a singular dream to don the Indian jersey and represent the National Girls Cricket Team one day.
In a region better known for its border tensions than sporting success stories, Manvi Sharma’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that talent, when supported by determination and community encouragement, can rise above all limitations.
Mohinder Singh Tony, a renowned elder cricket player of Rajouri, termed Manvi’s talent as exceptional saying that she is determined to don Indian cricket Jersey and representing Indian cricket team at national and international level.
“Her class and dedication to sports is exceptional.” he stated.
Ankush Gupta, a former Ranji player, hoped that Manvi gets ample opportunities to sharpen the talent.
He said, ” In our times, there were lack of adequate opportunities and so we didn’t manage to hit big opportunities but I pray Manvi gets these opportunities and represent our nation.” Ankush said.
