Anantnag, Sep 21: Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, today formally inaugurated the UT Level Inter-District U-19 Cricket Tournament at Nanil, Anantnag, marking the commencement of a major sporting event featuring young cricketing talent from across Jammu and Kashmir.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by DYSSO Anantnag, Zahoor Ahmad Wani, Tehsildar Anantnag, Tehsil Social Welfare Officer and other officers and officials. Players representing 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, along with officials of the Youth Services and Sports Department, participated in the inaugural programme.
The tournament is being organized by the Youth Services and Sports Department, J&K, and hosted by DYSSO Anantnag. Around 360 U-19 male cricketers representing 20 district teams are taking part in the competition.
The matches are being conducted across four venues at Jablipora, Bijbehara and Nanil under the supervision of officials from the Youth Services and Sports Department.
Speaking on the occasion, DC Anantnag highlighted the vital role of sports in the holistic development of youth. He emphasized that sporting activities provide young people with a positive and productive platform and can play an important role in keeping them away from drug abuse and other social challenges.
He encouraged the participating players to make sports an integral part of their daily lives and appreciated the Youth Services and Sports Department for organizing the tournament in Anantnag.
The tournament is expected to provide a valuable platform for emerging cricketers to showcase their talent, gain competitive exposure and further strengthen the sporting culture across Jammu and Kashmir.