Budgam, April 21: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan today threw open the District Level Cricket Tournament at Sports Stadium Budgam amid enthusiastic participation of youth and sports lovers from across the district and Kashmir Division.

The tournament, organized by the local youth of Budgam, aims to promote sports culture, strengthen youth engagement, and provide a vibrant platform for budding cricketers to showcase their talent. A total of 31 cricket teams from across the Kashmir Division are participating in the tournament, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for sports among the youth.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC appreciated the efforts of the local youth for organizing such a large-scale sporting event and termed the initiative as a positive step towards channelizing youthful energy into constructive activities. He emphasized that sports play a vital role in personality development, discipline, teamwork, and the overall well-being of young people.
Highlighting the significance of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the DC underscored the importance of sports as a powerful tool in the fight against drug abuse. He urged the youth to actively participate in sports and constructive activities to stay away from substance abuse and lead a healthy, purposeful life.
He further emphasized that such initiatives not only promote physical fitness but also serve as an effective platform to spread awareness about the ill effects of drugs, encouraging young people to adopt a drug-free lifestyle.
The DC lauded the organizers for taking the lead in promoting sports at the grassroots level and encouraged them to continue organizing similar events in future. He reiterated the District Administration’s commitment to supporting youth-oriented initiatives that foster healthy competition, community participation, and contribute towards realizing the vision of a drug-free society.
The DC also interacted with the players of the opening match, extended his best wishes to all participating teams, and encouraged them to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play throughout the tournament.
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of sports enthusiasts, local youth, organizers, and officials, who welcomed the commencement of the tournament with great enthusiasm.
The tournament is expected to continue over the coming days, providing an opportunity for young cricketers from different parts of the Kashmir Division to compete, learn, and build sportsmanship through sports.