Sat Dec 13 18:17:30 UTC 2025: Summary:

This article from The Hindu e-paper, dated December 13, 2025, reports on Karnataka’s first transmen cricket team participating in a national-level tournament. The team, led by Aadhityanath and Bhuvan, faces financial challenges, including the high cost of practice facilities. Despite limited resources, they are participating in the Transgender Persons’ Cricket Tournament, organized by the Transgender Athletes Foundation, with support from Raahi, an LGBTQIA+ organization. The team’s primary goal is preparation and visibility, not necessarily winning.

News Article:

Karnataka Transmen Cricket Team Makes National Debut Amidst Financial Hurdles

Bengaluru, December 13, 2025 – History will be made on Monday as Karnataka’s first-ever transmen cricket team steps onto the field at a national-level tournament in Punjab. The team, comprised of eleven players and captained by Aadhityanath, with Bhuvan as vice-captain, will face off against Maharashtra on December 15th in the Transgender Persons’ Cricket Tournament, organized by the Transgender Athletes Foundation.

While excitement is high, the team faces significant financial challenges. Access to practice facilities has been limited due to exorbitant rental costs, with the team only able to secure one practice session prior to the tournament.

“For nets, we have to cough up ₹10,000 to practise for a day,” said Aadhityanath. “None of us have the means to bear such huge expenses, nor do we have any government support.”

The team found its genesis in a friendly march before a Bengaluru Pride event a year ago. Supporting the team’s formation has been Raahi, a Karnataka-based LGBTQIA+ advocacy organization, providing essential resources like jerseys and occasional access to practice grounds. Raahi also helped fund the team’s travel to Punjab.

Participating teams include Maharashtra, Kerala, Odisha, Haryana, and Delhi. Accommodation and food expenses for the teams will be covered by the organizers.

Despite the challenges, the Karnataka team is focused on the long game. “We aren’t really thinking about winning or losing this time,” said Aadhityanath. “But we want to be more prepared for the next year.”

The team’s participation marks a significant step towards greater inclusion and visibility for transgender athletes in India.

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