3 Barriers That The Gilgit-Baltistan Sports Tournament Broke & How!

The valley of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) organized a cricket and football sports tournament for women, and the event certainly set a precedent for the country. It broke many barriers and that was definitely something worth cherishing.

Scores of girls from Gilgit’s numerous communities competed in two sporting tournaments last week. The Inayat Sisters – Karishma and Sumera – of Al-Shams Football Club organized the eight-team football game, while athlete Misbah Hina coordinated the cricket event in partnership with Right To Play, Pakistan.

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Here’s a look at how the championship has shifted the dynamics of sports for Pakistani women.

1. Safe space for women to display their talents

We don’t see women going out and about in the open fields scoring goals and runs to win a tournament. This is a rarity for Pakistan. Most often, women shy away from even participating in such events because they feel threatened. We know how difficult it is for women to feel safe in public spaces, but this event proved the exact opposite of it.

Women not only played, but they played well and won many trophies at the end of the tournament.

2. Women took up space

For the first time in many years, women played their hearts out. They owned the sports grounds and put their talent to good use. We know how these two sports are largely dominated by men, so it was a breath of fresh air to see girls and women doing so well in the game.

3. More representation for the women of GB

We cannot emphasize enough on the fact that people of GB, particularly women, are severely underrepresented. Hence, this event gave them a chance to shine bright and showcase their skills on a big level. This was definitely something new to see and thanks to the Gilgit Baltistan Girls Football League and Gilgit Girls Cricket Tournament for making it possible.

This has put out a positive image of Pakistan for the world, showing that women are being appreciated and promoted in different fields in the country.

What other barriers did the Gilgit-Baltistan sports tournament for women break? Share in the comments.