Jammu, Nov 13: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday inaugurated the 22nd All India Vice-Chancellor T20 Cricket Tournament for university staff members at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu.

The national-level sporting event has brought together 24 university teams, with nearly 500 participants representing institutions from different parts of the country.

Congratulating SKUAST-Jammu for organising the tournament, the Chief Minister said such events provide Jammu and Kashmir with an opportunity to showcase its hospitality, organisational capabilities and sporting culture while strengthening connections among educational institutions across India.

He emphasised the importance of sports and physical activity for maintaining good health, observing that the participation of university employees in sporting competitions sends a positive message about fitness and an active lifestyle across different age groups.

The Chief Minister encouraged the participating teams to display enthusiasm, discipline and fair play throughout the competition, while upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship.

Agriculture Production Minister Javed Dar and Youth Services and Sports Minister Satish Sharma were also present at the inaugural ceremony.