Kulgam, Sep 19: Yawar Mubarik Bhat, a specially-abled cricketer hailing from the Ladgoo in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, is breaking boundaries and shattering stereotypes as he continues to shine in the world of cricket at the national level.
His journey in cricket began at the tender age of 10, but it took a tragic turn when he lost his arm in a devastating accident involving a truck while playing cricket.
Despite this life-altering setback, Yawar’s determination and passion for the sport never waned. He went on to hone his skills and develop into an exceptional all-rounder, excelling both in bowling and batting.
Having played cricket in various locations across India, including Lucknow, Varanasi, and Haryana; Bhat dreams of representing India and the Union Territory of J&K at the international level.
“I want to showcase that a disability doesn’t limit one’s abilities and dreams. I am living proof of that,” he told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
However, Yawar faces significant obstacles on his path to international cricket. Despite offers to play at the international level, he was unable to take that leap due to the unavailability of a passport and financial constraints. This has not deterred his spirit, as he remains unwavering in his commitment to the sport and his desire to inspire others with disabilities.
Notwithstanding the numerous challenges he has faced, Bhat’s determination has been unwavering. He humbly acknowledges the limited support he has received throughout his journey.
“Nobody has supported me in my journey except my parents and one person from Municipal Council Kulgam,” he said.
Yawar said there is a lot of untapped talent in Kashmir and stressed the importance of providing a platform for these talented individuals to showcase their skills. He believes that with the right opportunities and support, the youth of Kashmir can achieve great heights in various fields, including sports. He hopes to break barriers, inspire others, and ultimately represent his nation and region on the grand stage of cricket—(KNO)
