Anantnag: Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, on Tuesday inaugurated the Inter-District Provincial Level (IDPL) Under-17 Girls Cricket Tournament at Government Higher Secondary School, Bijbehara.
Organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS), Jammu and Kashmir, in collaboration with the district administration, the tournament aims to provide a competitive platform for young girl cricketers and identify emerging talent from across the Union Territory.
Addressing participants, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the role of sports in promoting discipline, leadership and positive values among youth. He said sporting activities contribute to youth empowerment and help steer young people away from drug abuse and other negative influences.
A total of 20 district teams are participating in the tournament. Matches will be played on a league basis at multiple venues, with players getting opportunities to compete at the provincial level.
Officials said a selection process involving experienced selectors and sports officials will be conducted after the tournament to identify talented players. The event is also aimed at promoting women’s cricket and strengthening grassroots sports development in the region.
The inaugural function was attended by Superintending Engineer Roads and Buildings (R&B) Syed Ishfaq Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Tariq Ahmad Malik, District Youth Services and Sports Officer Zahoor Ahmad Wani, sports officials, players and support staff.
