Jammu, Nov 13: Emphasising the importance of maintaining mutual respect despite differences of opinion, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said political rivalry should never turn into personal hostility.

Omar was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the 22nd All India Vice-Chancellor’s T20 Cricket Tournament 2026 at the main campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu), here.
“I am often asked about my views on those who contest elections against me, criticise me on social media or express their disagreement through media interviews. My answer has always been the same: they may be my political opponents, but they are certainly not my enemies,” the CM said, drawing thunderous applause from the audience.
He said if given an opportunity, he would happily sit down with them over a cup of tea, ask about their families, and have a cordial conversation with them.
“The same should apply to all of you. On this cricket field, you should leave no stone unturned in your pursuit of victory. Give it your absolute best, compete with all your might, but once the match is over, let friendship and mutual respect prevail,” he said.
“Compete fiercely, give your best and fight for victory, but let the rivalry end with the final ball. Once the match is over, embrace one another and walk away as friends. Because this is a contest, not a conflict. You may be my opponent, but you are not my enemy,” he said.
Emphasising that the spirit of the tournament should go beyond competition, the CM said that while teams would compete against each other on the field, the real achievement would be the friendships and bonds they establish during their stay in Jammu.
He observed that victory and defeat were integral to sports and urged participants to treat both with equanimity.
Quoting renowned writer Rudyard Kipling, he said, “If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat both those imposters just the same,” adding that success and failure were temporary, while the friendships and memories created through such events endured.