Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, September 20: The grand finale of the Batapora Kanihama Magam Premier League (BPL) Edition 18 was held on Sunday at Chinar Stadium, Batapora, where Friends 11 Batapora and Valley Vallaints Batapora faced each other in an exciting and closely contested championship clash.
After a tough and competitive contest, Valley Vallaints Batapora delivered an impressive performance to clinch the championship title and emerge as the winners of BPL Edition 18. Friends 11 Batapora also put up a strong fight in the final, keeping the match competitive and entertaining.
A large number of cricket lovers, youngsters and local residents from Batapora and adjoining areas attended the final at Chinar Stadium and extended enthusiastic support to both teams. The tournament provided an important platform for local young cricketers to showcase their talent, sporting spirit, discipline and sportsmanship.
On the occasion, Sameer Ahmed Bhat, In-charge Budgam Constituency, Congress, was also among the special guests. He congratulated Valley Vallaints Batapora on winning the BPL Edition 18 championship title and appreciated Friends 11 Batapora for reaching the final and putting up a strong performance. He also appreciated the efforts of the organisers, players and all those associated with the successful conduct of the tournament.
Speaking to the media after the final, Sameer Ahmed Bhat congratulated the winning team and expressed gratitude to the people of Batapora and surrounding areas for encouraging local youth and creating a supportive environment for their participation in sports.
He said that the large participation of youngsters in the final reflected their interest in sports and other positive and constructive activities. He said that when parents, families and society encourage young people to participate in sports, it has a positive impact not only on the younger generation but on society as a whole.
Sameer Ahmed said sports grounds provide young people with opportunities to remain engaged in positive activities, develop their abilities and move forward. Referring to ongoing awareness campaigns against drugs and other social evils at different levels, he highlighted the importance of sports activities and appealed to youth to make use of sports grounds, focus on their education and actively participate in healthy and constructive activities.
Referring to the facilities at the ground where the BPL final was held, Sameer Ahmed said that it is an important and beautiful sporting venue for local youth, but several basic facilities are still required. He stressed the need for proper player dugouts, washroom facilities and an adequate lighting system so that matches and other sporting activities can also be organised during evening hours.
He said that improving basic infrastructure at the ground would enable students to participate in sports after school and college hours and make productive use of their evenings. This, he said, would provide young people with greater opportunities to remain engaged in healthy activities and further develop their sporting abilities.
Sameer Ahmed further said that some trees and other obstructions are also present within the playing area. He appealed to the concerned departments to inspect the ground and, wherever necessary, take appropriate action in accordance with the rules and regulations to ensure a safer and better sporting environment for players.
He expressed hope that during the upcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, due attention would also be given to the condition of sports grounds and their basic infrastructure in Budgam, particularly in the Budgam and Beerwah areas. He said that new sports facilities should be developed in areas where grounds are not available, while existing grounds should also be equipped with necessary basic infrastructure.
He appealed to the local administration, concerned departments and public representatives to visit the Batapora ground, assess the available facilities and requirements, and take necessary steps to address the shortcomings.
Sameer Ahmed once again appealed to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to make sports, education and other positive activities part of their priorities. He said sports are important not only for physical health and mental development but also provide young people with a positive and constructive environment.
On the occasion, the championship trophy was presented to the winning team by Chief Guest Sameer Ahmed Bhat. Awards and mementoes were also distributed among sports players, volunteers and media representatives. The organisers also honoured Sameer Ahmed Bhat with a special recognition as Guest of Honour.
The successful conclusion of BPL Edition 18 was described as another important step towards promoting cricket and sporting activities in Batapora. The organisers thanked all participating teams, players, spectators, local residents and everyone who contributed to the success of the tournament, saying that the enthusiastic participation of youth played an important role in making the event successful.
