Ranjit Thakur
JAMMU, Mar 10: Vandana Mahajan, a 34-year-old cricketer from Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir, has made history by being selected for the Canada Women’s National Cricket Team. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her career, making her the second player from the region to represent an international team in cricket.
Vandana, an IT engineer and entrepreneur by profession, developed an early passion for cricket. Growing up in the small town of Bhaderwah, she began playing cricket at the tender age of six with her brothers and local boys, as there were very few girls involved in the sport at that time. Her father, Dr. Viney Kumar, recalls, “Vandana started playing cricket with her brothers, and we often found her practicing with the boys, as there were no girls playing cricket in Bhaderwah back then.”
Vandana completed her primary education at Bhartiya Vidya Mandir in Bhaderwah before moving to Carmel Convent School in Jammu for her higher secondary studies. Despite the relocation, her passion for cricket remained strong, and she represented Jammu and Kashmir in several state-level tournaments, earning recognition for her skills and dedication.
After completing her engineering degree (IT) from an institution in Tamil Nadu, Vandana played for the state cricket team for a few years. She then moved to Bangalore, where she continued to pursue cricket while pursuing an MBA. Eventually, she shifted to Canada, where she is running her own business. Despite her professional commitments, Vandana has kept her passion for cricket alive, leading to her selection for the Canada Women’s National Cricket Team.
Her selection is a testament to her unwavering determination and commitment to the sport. She is currently on an international tour in Argentina, where she is representing Canada in the 4-nation ICC World Cup T20I Americas Region Qualifier, which includes teams from the USA, Argentina, Brazil, and Canada.
As a fast-bowling all-rounder, Vandana Mahajan’s selection for the Canadian team at the age of 34 proves that age is no barrier to achieving one’s dreams. Her success also highlights her exceptional perseverance and ability to break barriers, making her the second woman cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent an international team, after Chhaya Mughal, who has represented the UAE.
Vandana’s journey serves as an inspiration for young aspiring athletes, especially women, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible. Speaking about her daughter’s achievement, Dr. Viney Kumar expressed immense pride, stating, “It has been a long and challenging journey for Vandana, but her perseverance has finally paid off. This is a proud moment not only for our family but for the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Vandana Mahajan’s story stands as a powerful testament to the spirit of overcoming challenges, pursuing one’s passion, and achieving success on the global stage.
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