BARAMULLA: Minister for Agriculture Production, Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today inaugurated the Inter-School/Inter-Zonal District Level Under-19 Boys Cricket Tournament at Showkat Ali Stadium, Khawaja Bagh, Baramulla.
The tournament was officially declared open in the presence of Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, and Transport, Satish Sharma; MLA Wagoora-Kreeri, Advocate Irfan Hafeez Lone; and MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Javid Dar emphasized the role of sports in fostering physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, and leadership among youth. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the grassroots sports ecosystem and providing young athletes with ample opportunities to excel.
Speaking on the occasion, Sports Minister Satish Sharma highlighted the department’s efforts to promote a sports culture throughout Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that regular tournaments across disciplines encourage student participation, nurture talent, and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant future generation.
During the event, the Ministers also distributed sports kits and equipment to students representing 18 zones of the district and felicitated those who performed in the cultural programme. Students additionally presented colourful cultural performances, reflecting the energy, creativity, and talent of Baramulla’s youth.
