Dr Farooq inaugurates Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Tournament at MA Stadium in Jammu

Jammu, Apr 21: National Conference President and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Tournament at Maulana Azad (MA) Stadium, Jammu, urging youth to stay focused on sports and education while rejecting the growing menace of drug abuse.

The tournament, themed ‘Say No to Drugs’, is part of a wider campaign aimed at channelling young energy into positive pursuits.

Organised by Tejinder Pal Singh, Provincial President of J&K Youth National Conference, the cricket tournament is part of a broader campaign to combat drug abuse among the youth of the region. In the opening match on Monday, Majid 313 faced off against Trikuta Cricket Club in a thrilling 20-over encounter that marked the commencement of the week-long tournament, which will conclude on April 26.

While inaugurating the tournament, Dr. Farooq Abdullah interacted with the players and appreciated their enthusiasm and spirit for the game. He encouraged the young participants to stay focused on sports and education and avoid the menace of drug addiction that is increasingly affecting the younger generation. Dr. Abdullah also appreciated the efforts of Tejinder Pal Singh Aman for his dedication and commitment to the anti-drug campaign.

On this occasion Rattan Lal Gupta, Advocate Provincial President JKNC, said there is a dire need to divert the energy of our youth towards sports, culture, and education. Tournaments like these play a crucial role in engaging young minds in meaningful and disciplined pursuits. He further added that community-led efforts are key to defeating the drug menace.

Ajaz Jan, MLA from Poonch Haveli, also said that such initiatives are essential in shaping a brighter future for the youth. He emphasised that sports not only promote physical fitness but also instil discipline, teamwork, and a sense of purpose, which are vital in steering young minds away from drug addiction.

Tejinder Pal Singh Aman informed that this cricket tournament has been organised as a significant part of an ongoing awareness campaign against drug abuse. The primary objective is to motivate young individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle, stay away from harmful substances, and engage in constructive activities that contribute to their personal growth and well-being, he added.

The opening day saw an overwhelming response from local youth, sports enthusiasts, and community members, who hailed the initiative as a step in the right direction.

The Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Tournament will continue with daily matches till April 26, culminating in a grand finale and felicitation ceremony for the winning team.

Prominent among those who were present were Babu Rampal, former minister and Central Zone, Pardeep Bali, Provincial Secretary Jammu, Vijay Lochan, Chairman SC Cell, Rakesh Singh, Vice President Central Zone, Nitish Goswami, Vishal Parihar, Zamir Quershi, Attal Singh, Gurcharan Singh, Gorav Bhagat, Kousar Malik, Jaseen Malik, Akhil Mehra, Raman Verma, Hameed Choudhary, Muzamil Malik and others.