Anantnag: Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat on Sunday said sports play a vital role in promoting discipline, teamwork and a drug-free lifestyle among youth while inaugurating the Unity Cup 2026 cricket tournament at the Sports Stadium, Anantnag.
The tournament, organised by the district administration in collaboration with local associations and business houses under the ongoing Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign, features participation from 64 teams. The opening match was played between SH Stars and MCC Janglat Mandi.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior district officials, representatives of local cricket associations, sportspersons and a large number of youth and sports enthusiasts.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner expressed satisfaction over the resumption of sporting activities at the stadium following renovation and upgradation works. He said the tournament provides a significant platform for young players to showcase their talent and engage in constructive activities.
Highlighting the objectives of the Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign, Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat said sports activities are being actively promoted across the district and that thousands of events have been organised under the initiative with enthusiastic public participation.
He emphasised that sports help inculcate discipline, resilience, teamwork and leadership qualities among youth while steering them away from social evils such as drug abuse.
“Youth who are active in sports excel in their studies, maintain sound health and stay away from social evils like drug abuse,” he said.
The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the development of sports infrastructure in Bijbehara, Seer Hamdan, Mattan and Dooru and assured that similar facilities would be created in other areas of the district.
He announced that a substantial portion of the current year’s CAPEX budget has been earmarked for sports infrastructure development, including installation of floodlights, procurement of pitch rollers, development of turf wickets and construction of spectator stands.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment to promoting multiple sporting disciplines, he said the focus is not limited to cricket and that football, volleyball and indoor sports are also being encouraged.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that two new indoor courts are being developed to facilitate volleyball, badminton and other indoor games, providing athletes with improved training and competition facilities within the district.
Players and local sportspersons expressed appreciation for the administration’s efforts to strengthen the sports ecosystem and create better opportunities for youth participation in sporting activities.
