Soliha Yousuf was in her teen age of 16 when she decided to break the stereotype regarding the choice of games played by girls by opting to play Rugby, a game predominantly played by men and requires lot physical endurance.
Despite odds not in her favor, she did not give in. Her perseverance not only resulted in her becoming the captain of J&K Rugby state team, but she went on to become the senior women’s coach for Jammu and Kashmir Rugby and Rugby Development Officer (RDO) for India Rugby.
Under her captaincy, JK Rugby team won bronze medal at Khelo India winter games, held at Gulmarg in March 2020.
The life was not always smooth for the 26-year-old coach hailing from Rangapora, Ellahibagh, Srinagar, Soliha.
She faced a stiff resistance from all quarters including her family, when she expressed her desire to opt for the game.
Her family opposed her decision of opting for the game as they were apprehensive that any severe injury can affect her future marriage prospect. But after seeing her passion regarding the game, they came around and started supporting her.
“Initially there was some resistance from my parents for choosing the Rugby as a sport. They opposed thinking it’s a physical contact game and has the risk of getting injuries. But seeing my passion and zest for the game, they gave in and supported me. Now they are now proud of me,” she said.
By bagging several medals including gold medal in 3rd National Snow Rugby 7’s Championship 2017 held at Gulmarg, Soliha proved that a girl if provided with chance and support can bring laurels not only for her family for the entire state.
She credits her success to her mother.
“In fact, it’s my mother who takes care of my diet and fitness schedule. Rugby requires strength, stamina, mental sharpness and agility and my mom makes sure I have it all. Wherever I stand right now it’s all because of my family,” she says.
Earlier, in 2011 she was selected for India camp held in Pune for the Asian Women’s championship.
She has been awarded as the best player of the year 2010 by Jammu and Kashmir Rugby Association.
Soliha has played 12 nationals, 12 state and 13 district level tournaments.
Her team has won titles including Shield winners of All India Women’s Rugby 7’s championship held in Mumbai in 2009, Shield winners of All India Women’s rugby 7’s championship, held in Pune in 2008.
Soliha has also participated in the National Games Kerala 2015.
She was selected for World Rugby Level 1 refereeing and coaching course held in Pune, March 2009.
She has headed the U18 team at Chennai nationals 2017, U14 team at Hyderabad nationals 2018.
Soliha wants to work as a trainer for the girls in valley.
“I know how young players look up to their coaches. They tend to idealize them in every possible way, “she says.
She affirms that she wants to make herself extremely professional and train girls of valley professionally so that they can play for the national squad and bring laurels for country.
She confesses that she along with many girls struggled a lot in their initial days.
“We didn’t get much attention although we used to give a lot of efforts. But we have come a long way since those days,” she says.
She added, “Things are better now, however, the struggle is still on, as we belong to a relatively conservative society.”
Quoting words of famous Walt Disney, she said, “”If you can dream it, you can do it.” If you have passion for sports, do not look back, work hard with zeal and vigor, and one day you will achieve your dream.”
In her message to the youth, Soliha said, “I want youth of valley to see their true potential and come out of their homes and create their own identity as you can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.”
