Sarabjeet, Faizan named in India’s U-23 squad for Asian Softball Championship

Jammu, May 26: In a proud moment for Jammu & Kashmir, Sarabjeet Singh Sodhi from Jammu and Faizan Bashir from Kulgam have been selected to represent India in the U-23 Men's Softball team for the upcoming Asian Championship to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 2 to 7, 2025.

As per a statement issued on Monday, the Asia Cup (Men) Softball Championship in Thailand will also be the qualifying event for the World Cup (Men) U-23 Softball Championship 2026 if the Indian team figures in the top two teams in the Asian Championship.

The selection of the players for National Camp was done during the selection trials at Jalgaon, Maharashtra, on January 18 and 19, 2025. Both of them were part of the two National Camps--one at Maharashtra and another going on at Vikas Puri Stadium, New Delhi.

Both young and energetic softball players, one from district Kulgam and another from district Jammu, started playing softball at a very young age and participated in many national-level events. Now, both are set to be part of the Indian National U-23 Men's Softball team to represent the country in the International Softball Championship in Thailand.

Waseem Raja Khan, General Secretary J&K Softball Association, congratulated Sarbjeet & Faizan for this landmark achievement.

"To honour this duo and other outstanding players who have represented India at various international championships, the Felicitation Ceremony will be held after the athletes return from the prestigious championship," said Waseem Raja Khan, General Secretary J&K Softball Association.

He advised budding softball players of Jammu & Kashmir to make this potential Olympic sport of softball, which is presently played in 142 countries around the world, a career option.

He also praised Secretary J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, for her tremendous support in the upliftment of this sport in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.