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At dawn in Srinagar’s fog-draped lanes, 23-year-old Irtiqa Ayoub laces up her sneakers and heads out for her daily two-hour run. In a valley where women have often been constrained to the domestic sphere, her resolve echoes across the rooftops of Safa Kadal, challenging centuries-old norms. Today, she is not only Kashmir’s first female rugby coach but a symbol of courage and transformation.
Discovering a New Path
Irtiqa wasn’t always drawn to rugged, full-contact sports. At 16, she loved football, playing in narrow alleys with neighborhood boys. But a physical education teacher introduced her to rugby—“an English sport” foreign to most in the Valley. Suspicious at first, she soon became captivated by the sport’s intensity and camaraderie.
Within months, she was training rigorously and joining state-level competitions. Her resilience—like playing fiercely even after breaking her nose—earned her admiration and medals: seven state-level, seven district-level, silver trophies in Rugby Sevens (2016–17), and a snow rugby gold in 2017.
Battling Societal Resistance
Irtiqa’s rise was far from smooth. In her conservative community, a girl choosing such a rugged path was unthinkable: comments followed her every move, and her own family was initially resistant. “Keep quiet,” “Is she allowed outside?”—the whispers were relentless. Her father, in particular, was hesitant to let her travel for tournaments.
Yet she persevered, believing that each medal, every bruising match, would rewrite the narrative. By performing at high levels and winning accolades, she gradually won her family’s trust. At last, her father became her staunchest supporter—proud, protective, and vocal.
Leading the Next Generation
In taking on the mantle of coach and Rugby Development Officer (RDO), Irtiqa transformed from athlete to mentor. She runs training sessions every afternoon at Srinagar’s Gindun Stadium, molding both boys and girls into confident, disciplined players. Hundreds of students have passed through her rigorous regime and have begun to see rugby not just as a sport, but as a vehicle for empowerment.
Her mission is twofold: to diversify sports in Kashmir beyond cricket and football, and to ensure girls are a visible part of that shift. “I want all girls to feel free and join any sport they want to learn and earn,” she asserts—echoing a steadfast philosophy that sports can help break traditional shackles.
Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges
Yet passion only goes so far. Irtiqa has raised her voice against the poor state of rugby infrastructure in J&K. Srinagar’s only rugby ground lacks essentials: washrooms, changing rooms, basic equipment. Female players particularly suffer—Irtiqa recounts juggling with makeshift arrangements in local cafés just to change or prepare for practice.
Her activism triggered government intervention: the J&K State Sports Council finally leased a ground specifically for rugby and pledged improved facilities. These efforts remain in early stages, but Irtiqa’s leadership was instrumental in this victory.
A Vision Beyond the Valley
Despite her local achievements, Irtiqa’s eyes rest on an international prize: an Indian national team jersey. She dreams of training with world-class teams like the New Zealand All Blacks and hopes to guide her Kashmir-run club—a growing team of girls—toward national tournaments and beyond.
Yet she remains realistic. “Mindsets need to change,” she often reminds herself and others. Her message to parents is simple but profound: support your daughters, even if their ambitions seem unconventional. “Given a chance, women like Irtiqa can reach heights of success.”
The Ripple Effect of One Woman
Irtiqa’s presence in Kashmir’s sports landscape sends a message louder than any trophy. She represents a shift toward gender equality and female agency in a region once hesitant to allow women outside the domestic sphere. She demonstrates that passion, combined with perseverance, can challenge social norms—and even transform them.
She nurtures not just athletes but confidence, discipline, and resilience—training sessions that extend well beyond the rugby pitch. With every girl who joins rugby, every boundary she pushes, Irtiqa redefines what is possible for women in Kashmir.
A Trailblazer in Cleats
From unsure teen picking up a rugby ball in school, to boundary-breaking coach, activist, and idol, Irtiqa Ayoub has rewritten the script for women in sports in J&K. With grit, grace, and a fierce sense of purpose, she is more than the Valley’s first female rugby coach—she’s a force for change, proving daily that courage can reshape destinies.
In Irtiqa’s world, rugby is not just a sport—it’s the grindstone where self-belief is forged, stereotypes shattered, and futures unlocked. And as she marches forward, her footsteps echo for those ready to follow.