Srinagar, Dec 23: The 18th Police Martyrs Memorial Football Tournament organized by Jammu & Kashmir Police under its Civic Action Programme in collaboration with J&K Football Association was declared open at Bakhshi Stadium, Srinagar, by Director General of Police (DGP) Shri Dilbag Singh on Friday.
In the beginning, a two-minute silence was observed to pay homage to the J&K Police martyrs. Speaking on the occasion, the DGP, who was the chief guest at the inaugural function, said that the championship is being organized in memory of those bravehearts of J&K Police who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, for the integrity & sovereignty of the nation. “Martyrs never die, they are immortal,” the DGP said, adding, “Remembering the martyrdom of our personnel is important for the department as well as for the people and organizing different sports activities is aimed to pay our tributes to them.”
Singh said that J&K Police Parivar always stands with the families of martyrs and is running different welfare schemes for their assistance. He expressed happiness on witnessing the enthusiasm and energy of the teams participating as well as of a large number of gatherings which includes young children who have come from different areas to witness the football tournament despite the cold.
“Football is very famous in Kashmir and this game is witnessing an increase in its followers each passing year. I am overwhelmed to see that the number of participating teams in the championship has reached 40,” he said, adding that participating teams are from different areas of J&K which is an achievement in itself.
Referring to the Kathua Martyrs T-20 Cricket Tournament, the DGP hoped that in the next year football teams from other States/UTs would participate in the championship. Playing with different teams will enhance the quality of football here, he said. The DGP distributed kits including 200 footballs on the occasion.
Speaking to the media persons, the DGP said Jammu & Kashmir Police is organizing a number of tournaments and events throughout the year in order to provide platforms to the youth. He said these programs bridge the gap between the department, youth, and people and also spreads a message of peace in society.
In his welcome address, ADGP Armed J&K SJM Gillani thanked the DGP for gracing the occasion and briefed him about the fixtures and participation of teams in the tournament. He also thanked the players, spectators, media persons, and people for making the event a success.
ADGP Armed J&K SJM Gillani, ADGP Headquarters PHQ M.K Sinha, ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, DIG CKR Sujit Kumar, DIG Armed/ IR Kashmir Shahid Mehraj, SSP Srinagar Rakesh Balwal, AIsG of PHQ Kashmir-based Commandants of JKAP/IRP battalions, Chairman J&K Football Association Wasim Aslam, General Secretary JKFA B A Shah, Head Referee Association JKFA Nazir Ahmad Bhat, Nazir Ahmad Andrabi, President District Football Association Srinagar Bashir Ahmad Malik, international players Latief Bhat, Shafi Nari and Rafiq Makdoomi, Secretary DFA Srinagar Showkat Masoodi, international coach Sajid Yousuf Dar, members of JK Sports Council and other civil, police officers were present on the occasion.
