Minister for Agriculture Production, Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, and Election departments, Javid Ahmad Dar today inaugurated the Inter-School/Inter-Zonal District Level Under-19 Cricket Tournament (Boys) at Showkat Ali Stadium, Khawaja Bagh, here.

The tournament was declared open by the Minister in presence of Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport Department, Satish Sharma; MLA, Wagoora-Kreeri, Advocate Irfan Hafeez Lone and MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Javid Dar underlined the importance of sports in developing physical fitness, discipline, team spirit and leadership among the youth. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthen the sports ecosystem at the grassroots level and  provide ample opportunities for young players to excel.

Speaking on the occasion, Sports Minister Satish Sharma highlighted the department’s initiatives to promote sports culture across Jammu and Kashmir. He said that regular tournaments in various disciplines are being organized to encourage mass participation of students, adding that such events help nurture young talent and contribute to building a healthier and more vibrant future generation.

On the occasion, the Ministers also distributed sports kits and equipment among students from 18 zones of the district and felicitated students who performed in the cultural programme.

During the inaugural ceremony, students presented colourful cultural performances  showcasing the vibrancy and talent of Baramulla’s youth.