Five Punjab players selected for Women’s Baseball Asia Cup seek financial relief

A group of five talented young girls of Punjab from economically weak families have been selected to represent the country in the upcoming 4th Women’s Baseball Asia Cup scheduled to be held from October 26 to November 2 at Hangzhou in China.

Teams from China, Chinese Taipai, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines will be seen in action during this tournament. These players are currently attending a coaching camp here at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Gill village, in this district. They will leave for China on October 23.

Khushdeep Kaur, a student of BEd-I at Dev Samaj College for Women, Ferozepur, is daughter of a van driver in a school. Her achievement includes two gold medals in Senior National Baseball Championship. Nishu, a winner of three gold medals and one bronze medal in the senior nationals, is pursuing post-graduation at Guru Nanak Girls College, Model Town, Ludhiana. Her father is doing manual labour work.

Manveer Kaur’s father is also a menial worker, studying MPEd at GNDU, Amritsar. She won three gold medals in senior national championship and also secured a silver medal in Asia Cup qualifying round, held at Bangkok in Thailand.

Ramandeep Kaur’s achievements include three gold medals in senior national championship and a silver medal in Asia Cup qualifying round in Bangkok. Her father is a junior coach of softball. Navdeep Kaur’s father is a car driver (private) and she is a winner of silver medal in Asia Cup qualifying round and also won two gold medals in senior national baseball championship. She is a student of PGDMC at Guru Nanak Girls College, Model Town, Ludhiana.

Despite their exceptional skills and dedication, these girls are facing a significant challenge in raising funds (approximate Rs 1.25 lakh per person) to travel to China for the competition. The selected players are currently attending a rigorous training camp, preparing themselves for the big tournament. However, their families are struggling to support their dreams due to financial constraints.

To ensure these girls’ participation in this prestigious tournament, they need financial support. Financial assistance is required to cover the costs of travel expenses, such as tickets, visas, accommodation and other travel-related costs during the tournament.

Talking to this correspondent, the girls said financial contribution could help them facilitate in taking part in the tournament in China and achieve their dreams and bring glory to the country. “To encourage and support us, the Punjab Baseball Association has given Rs 10,000 to each player and this will help cover some of the expenses for the tour,” they said.

Harbir Singh Gill, general secretary, PBA, urged upon corporate houses and sports lovers to come together to support these players and help them achieve their dreams. “Your contribution can make a significant difference in their lives and inspire others to pursue their passions despite financial challenges,” he added.