Tanveer Hussain
Srinagar, September 19: The Indian Army’s 2 Rashtriya Rifles (2RR) organised the grand finale of a cricket tournament at HMT Ground, Zainakote, on the outskirts of Srinagar, with Narbal emerging victorious over Panzipora in an exciting and closely contested final.
The concluding ceremony was attended by Lt Col Aditya Chadha, officers of the Indian Army, political representatives, local residents, youth, sports enthusiasts and other members of the community.
The final match between Narbal and Panzipora witnessed enthusiastic participation from players and spectators. A large number of local residents and sports lovers gathered at the venue to support the participating teams and enjoy the contest.
The tournament was organised by 2RR with the objective of providing local youth a platform to showcase their sporting talent and encouraging greater participation in sports and other constructive activities. The initiative also aimed to promote a positive sporting culture among young people and encourage them to remain engaged in healthy outdoor activities.
The presence of schoolchildren added further enthusiasm to the event. Students participated in the programme and cheered for the teams, creating a lively atmosphere at the ground.
The organisers said that such sporting initiatives provide youth with meaningful opportunities to utilise their energy positively while developing qualities such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, confidence and sportsmanship. Such events also allow aspiring players to interact, compete and learn from one another.
At the conclusion of the tournament, Army officers presented trophies and cash prizes to the winning team and outstanding performers in recognition of their achievements and contributions during the tournament.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Tariq of Son Construction thanked the Indian Army’s 2RR for organising the cricket tournament and appreciated the initiative for encouraging local youth to participate in sports.
He said such programmes provide young people with opportunities to develop sporting skills, maintain physical fitness and remain engaged in constructive activities. He added that participation in sports helps youth develop discipline, teamwork, confidence and a positive outlook.
Sheikh Tariq also expressed gratitude to 2RR for supporting local sporting talent and providing young players with a platform to demonstrate their abilities. He said continued encouragement for grassroots sports can motivate more young people to take up sporting activities and pursue their talent with dedication.
Local residents and students also appreciated the initiative, saying that such community-oriented sporting activities provide valuable opportunities for youth and encourage positive engagement within the community.
Players who participated in the tournament thanked the organisers for providing them an opportunity to compete at a competitive level. They said tournaments of this nature help players gain match experience and motivate them to work harder to improve their performance.
The grand finale concluded with the distribution of trophies, cash prizes and appreciation among the winners and outstanding performers, marking the successful culmination of the tournament.
The organisers expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to encourage young people to participate in sports and contribute towards developing a healthy, active and constructive sporting environment in the area.
