Kulgam, June 15: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today witnessed the final match of the prestigious Shaheed Wali Mohammad Itoo Cricket Tournament held at DH Pora in Kulgam district amid enthusiastic participation of local youth and sports lovers.

The tournament, organized in memory of late Shaheed Wali Mohammad Itoo, saw participation from several talented teams from across the region. It served as a vibrant platform for promoting sportsmanship, discipline and healthy competition among youth.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Minister lauded the organizers for successfully conducting the tournament and providing a constructive avenue for the young talent to showcase their sporting abilities. She said that sports play a pivotal role in shaping character, fostering teamwork and steering youth towards positive and productive pursuits.
Sakeena Itoo reiterated the Jammu and Kashmir government’s commitment towards strengthening the sports infrastructure and creating more opportunities for youth engagement in J&K. She emphasized that focused efforts are being made to encourage sports activities at the grassroots level and identify promising talent from rural and remote areas.
“The government is committed to empower our youth through sports, education and skill development initiatives. Sports not only contribute to physical well-being but also instil values of perseverance, leadership and mutual respect”, asserted the Minister.
Highlighting the immense sporting potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, she called upon the young players to actively participate in sports and make full use of the facilities and opportunities being extended by the government. She assured continued support for the initiatives aimed at nurturing sporting talent and promoting youth-centric activities throughout the region.
The Minister also appreciated the enthusiasm displayed by the participating teams and spectators, stating that such events strengthen community bonds and inspire the younger generation to pursue excellence in sports.
Later, Sakeena Itoo distributed trophies, medals and certificates among the winning and runner-up teams and congratulated all the participants for their spirited performance. She encouraged the players to continue striving for excellence and represent Jammu and Kashmir at higher levels of competition.