Srinagar: As part of the nationwide commemoration of Swarnim Vijay Varsh, the Indian Army undertook an initiative to organize the Swarnim Vijay Varsh Kashmir Premier League 2021, said a defence spokesperson.
“The primary purpose of the event was youth engagement and to provide them with a pedestal to showcase their cricketing talent. The popularity of cricket in Kashmir is a known fact. This wide-reaching, multi-phased cricket tournament engaged 10 districts of Kashmir,” the spokesperson said.
“Swarnim Vijay Varsh Kashmir Premier League 2021 commenced on 01 Jul 2021 and was progressed in three phases,” he said.
The spokesperson further said: “Phase 1 was played between 01 to 15 July 2021, wherein youth from 10 districts – Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Shopian and Srinagar participated. Local boys from remote villages, towns and diverse backgrounds, formed their distinct village and town cricket clubs and came together to participate in the tournament. A total of 199 teams with about 3000 players participated in the Swarnim Vijay Varsh Kashmir Premier League 2021.”
“The second phase played from 28 July to 10 August 2021 witnessed 10 teams vying for a spot in the semifinals. Anantnag Achievers, Budgam Braves, Ganderbal Sarowars and Shahi Shopian reached the semifinals, which was played from 23 – 24 August 2021 at DPS, Srinagar ground,” he said.
“The Finals was played between Badgam Braves and Shahi Shopian at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium, Srinagar on Sunday, 29 August 2021. Badgam Braves won the Swarnim Vijay Varsh Kashmir Premier League 2021 in an emphatic manner,” the spokesperson said.
“The individual prizes were given for best performer as Batsmen to Asif Hussain (Budgam Braves), Adil Kachroo (Shahi Shopian), Ferooz Ahmad (Budgam Braves) and as Bowlers to Adil Kachroo (Shahi Shopian), Rouf Mir (Budgam Braves) & Mudasir Abass (Budgam Braves),” he said.
“Indian Cricketers Yusuf Pathan presence in the finals saw a great response from his fans in Kashmir valley. He complimented the team and the organisers for a well-fought and conducted the event. He appreciated the fact that 199 teams from all over Kashmir participated in the two-month-long competition, which showed the amount of effort the organisers had put to conduct the event,” the PRO said.
“The GOC Chinar Corps complimented the players for a wonderful performance at the Finals. He exhorted the youth to pick up sports and bring laurels for their villages and town,” he said.
“The GOC emphasised upon the importance of discipline in life as the sportsperson across the world exhibit. He concluded with the remarks that the Indian Army wishes to see next Neeraj Chopras emerge from Kashmir,” the spokesperson said.
“In addition to other dignitaries, Pandurang K. Pole Div Commissioner, Mohammad Aijaz, DC Srinagar, Vijay Kumar, IGP and BCCI dignitaries graced the occasion,” he added.
