KASHMIR’S RUGBY QUEEN: THE INSPIRING JOURNEY OF IRTIQA AYOUB FROM A YOUNG DREAMER TO A TRAILBLAZING RUGBY STAR

From the narrow lanes of Safa Kadal in Srinagar to the rugby fields of Jammu and Kashmir, Irtiqa Ayoub has built a remarkable identity in a sport that was once relatively unknown in the Valley. Her journey is not only about medals but also about determination, social barriers, family resistance and her efforts to create opportunities for young athletes. Irtiqa discovered rugby at the age of 16 while studying at Kothi Bagh Higher Secondary School. Until then, she had never seen a rugby ball and knew very little about the sport. She was interested in athletics and particularly enjoyed football. When rugby was introduced at her school, her physical education teacher and coach encouraged her to try it. Initially hesitant, Irtiqa stepped onto the rugby field and soon became fascinated by the physical intensity of the game. What began as an experiment quickly developed into a passion that shaped her sporting career. Irtiqa’s progress was rapid. Her achievements included seven gold medals at the state level and seven gold medals at the district level. She also won silver medals in Rugby 7’s in 2016 and 2017 and a gold medal in Snow Rugby in 2017. These achievements were significant because rugby had not traditionally enjoyed the popularity of cricket and football in Kashmir. Irtiqa was building her own career while also helping bring greater visibility to the sport. Rugby also tested her physically. During a difficult match, she suffered a broken nose. Instead of allowing the injury to discourage her, she continued playing and training. For Irtiqa, physical challenges became part of the discipline required to succeed.

Irtiqa’s biggest challenges were not always on the field. Her decision to pursue rugby initially faced resistance from her family. As a young woman entering a physically demanding contact sport that involved travelling for competitions and spending long hours outside home, her choice was difficult for some people to accept. She also faced social comments when people saw her carrying a sports kit on her way to practice. Rugby was unusual for women in Kashmir and her decision attracted attention. Rather than responding through arguments, Irtiqa allowed her performances to speak for her. Her achievements gradually changed perceptions. Her father eventually became supportive of her ambitions. Watching her play helped him understand how seriously she viewed rugby. Irtiqa soon realised that her role could extend beyond her own career. Kashmir had considerable sporting talent but many young people lacked exposure, training and encouragement. Around 2016–17, she began coaching in schools and colleges across the Valley. She introduced rugby to hundreds of students including boys and girls and taught them basic skills, fitness, discipline and teamwork. Her responsibilities eventually expanded to the position of Rugby Development Officer, making her one of the youngest people associated with rugby development in Jammu and Kashmir. As a coach, she worked to build a stronger rugby ecosystem and prepare teams for higher-level competitions. Her work with girls was particularly important as she wanted young women to develop confidence and participate in sports traditionally considered too physically demanding for them.

Irtiqa’s commitment was reflected in her daily routine. A 2017 profile reported that she started her day around 6 AM and ran for nearly two hours to maintain her fitness. Training was not always easy in Kashmir. Periods of unrest, restrictions and curfews could disrupt sporting activities. Despite these difficulties, Irtiqa continued her preparation and travelled to train newer players. At one stage, she was reported to be running 10 rugby clubs, highlighting the scale of her grassroots involvement. For her, coaching was more than a professional responsibility. It was a way of keeping young people connected with sport despite difficult circumstances. Snow rugby presented another unique challenge. Playing in deep snow makes movement extremely difficult as players struggle to run when their legs sink into the snow. Irtiqa treated these conditions as an opportunity rather than a limitation. Her gold medal in Snow Rugby in 2017 demonstrated her ability to adapt to the demanding environment. Kashmir’s harsh winters became another part of her sporting journey and showed that difficult conditions could be overcome through preparation and determination.

One of Irtiqa’s most important contributions has been encouraging girls to take up rugby. When she began playing, very few girls were involved in the sport. Through coaching, she worked towards creating teams capable of competing at state and national levels. Her message has remained clear: girls should have the freedom to choose the sport they want to play. She has also emphasised the importance of parental support. Her own experience of moving from family hesitation to family encouragement became an example of how attitudes can change when girls are given the opportunity to prove themselves. Irtiqa’s ambitions have always extended beyond Kashmir. Alongside developing rugby in the Valley, she has expressed her desire to represent India and help build teams from Kashmir capable of competing at the national level. At one point, she received an opportunity connected with playing for India but could not pursue it because of a lack of support. The experience reinforced her belief that talented athletes need strong family, institutional and governmental support to reach the highest levels. For Irtiqa, success is not limited to personal achievements. She wants future athletes to receive opportunities that were difficult for her to access.

Irtiqa Ayoub’s journey represents the changing sporting aspirations of young women in Jammu and Kashmir. She entered a sport she had never seen before, overcame family and social resistance, won medals, trained through difficult conditions and eventually became a player, coach, mentor and Rugby Development Officer. Her contribution goes far beyond the rugby field. By introducing hundreds of young people to rugby and encouraging girls to participate, she has helped create greater awareness and opportunities for the sport in Kashmir while becoming an inspiring example of women empowerment in Kashmir. Her journey shows that when young women are given the freedom, confidence and opportunity to pursue their dreams, they can break social barriers and inspire others to follow. From a 16-year-old who had never seen a rugby ball to a player, coach, mentor and development officer, Irtiqa Ayoub has turned rugby into more than a game. She has used it as a platform to build confidence, empower young women and open doors for the athletes who will follow her. Through her determination, resilience and commitment to creating opportunities for others, Irtiqa has earned a place among the inspiring Heroes of Kashmir — not only for what she achieved herself but for the path she continues to create for the next generation.