Vandana Mahajan, a 34-year-old cricketer from Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, has made history by securing a spot in the Canada Women’s National Cricket Team. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in her cricketing career, making her the second female cricketer from the region to play for an international team.
Vandana Mahajan’s Early Life and Passion for Cricket
Vandana, an IT engineer and entrepreneur, discovered her passion for cricket at an early age. Growing up in the small town of Bhaderwah, she started playing the sport at just six years old alongside her brothers and local boys, as there were hardly any girls participating in cricket at that time. Her father, Dr. Viney Kumar, recalls, “Vandana was always passionate about cricket. Since there were no girls playing in Bhaderwah, she practiced with the boys and honed her skills.”
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Academic and Cricketing Journey
Vandana pursued her primary education at Bhartiya Vidya Mandir in Bhaderwah before moving to Carmel Convent School in Jammu for her higher studies. Despite relocating, her love for cricket remained strong. She represented Jammu and Kashmir in several state-level tournaments, gaining recognition for her exceptional skills and dedication.
After earning an engineering degree in IT from a reputed institution in Tamil Nadu, Vandana continued to play cricket, representing her state in various competitions. Later, she moved to Bangalore to pursue an MBA while keeping her cricketing aspirations alive. Eventually, she shifted to Canada, where she established her own business while staying committed to the sport she loved.
Historic Selection for Canada Women’s National Cricket Team
Vandana’s relentless pursuit of excellence in cricket paid off when she was selected for the Canada Women’s National Cricket Team. Her inclusion in the squad is a testament to her perseverance and dedication. Currently, she is competing in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Region Qualifier in Argentina, where she is representing Canada against teams from the USA, Argentina, and Brazil.
Overcoming Challenges and Breaking Barriers
As a fast-bowling all-rounder, Vandana’s selection at the age of 34 showcases that age is never a barrier to achieving one’s dreams. Her journey is filled with challenges, yet her determination never wavered. She now joins Chhaya Mughal, who represented the UAE, as the second woman cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to play for an international team.
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Her journey serves as a source of inspiration for young aspiring athletes, particularly women, demonstrating that with passion and persistence, success is achievable. Speaking about his daughter’s achievement, Dr. Viney Kumar expressed immense pride, stating, “Vandana’s journey has been long and challenging, but her hard work has finally paid off. This is a moment of pride not just for our family but for the entire Jammu and Kashmir region.”
Vandana Mahajan’s story is an inspiring example of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of passion. Her success on the global stage is a testament to the fact that with hard work and dedication, no dream is out of reach. Her achievement will undoubtedly encourage more young girls in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond to take up cricket and strive for excellence in sports.
