Jammu, April 21: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah Monday inaugurated the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Tournament at MAM Stadium, Jammu. The tournament, themed “Say No to Drugs”, aims to channel the energy of the youth towards healthy, constructive pursuits.
The event has been organised by Tejinder Pal Singh, Provincial President of the J&K Youth National Conference, as part of a broader campaign to combat the growing menace of drug abuse among the youth. In the opening match, Majid 313 took on Trikuta Cricket Club in an exciting 20-over encounter, kicking off the week-long tournament, which will culminate on April 26.
Dr Abdullah interacted with the players, lauding their enthusiasm and passion for the game. He urged the youth to remain committed to education and sport, steering clear of drugs, which he described as a serious threat to the younger generation. He also commended Tejinder Pal Singh Aman for his dedication to the anti-drug campaign. On the occasion, Rattan Lal Gupta, Advocate and Provincial President of JKNC, stressed the urgent need to redirect the energy of young people towards sports, education, and cultural activities. He noted that community-led efforts such as these tournaments play a vital role in shaping disciplined, focused individuals.
Aijaz Jan, MLA from Poonch Haveli, highlighted the broader benefits of sport, including physical fitness, teamwork, and personal discipline—qualities he said are key to steering youth away from harmful substances. Tejinder Pal Singh Aman stated that the tournament forms a key part of an ongoing awareness campaign aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles and preventing drug abuse. He emphasised the importance of engaging young minds in activities that promote their well-being and personal development. The tournament’s opening day witnessed enthusiastic participation from local youth, sports lovers, and community members, who welcomed the initiative as a step in the right direction.
The Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Tournament will continue with daily matches until 26 April, concluding with a grand finale and a felicitation ceremony for the winning team.
Prominent attendees:
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 Qureshi, Attal Singh, Gurcharan Singh, Gaurav Bhagat, Kousar Malik, Jaseen Malik, Akhil Mehra, Raman Verma, Hameed Choudhary, Muzamil Malik and others.
