Srinagar, Sep 12 (KNS): Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board and Minister of State Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi on Saturday inaugurated the T-20 Cricket Tournament at Alamdar Sports Stadium, Chrar-e-Sharif, and unveiled the tournament trophy.

The tournament, organised by Chrar-e-Sharif Sultans, aims to promote sports, fitness and healthy recreational activities among youth, while providing budding cricketers an opportunity to showcase their talent in a competitive environment.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Andrabi said the transformation of the sports sector in Jammu and Kashmir was a matter of pride, crediting the Khelo India programme for giving a major boost to sports infrastructure and activities in the region.

She said J&K youth were increasingly excelling at national and international levels, particularly in cricket, with several young cricketers making their mark nationally, including in the Indian Premier League.

Dr Andrabi said grassroots-level sporting events were important for identifying and nurturing young talent and keeping youth away from the drug menace.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelShe expressed hope that the tournament would encourage more youngsters to pursue cricket and other sports.

Mohamad Rafeeq Abdullah, Chief Organiser of the League, Academic Dr Aijaz Ashraf, Assistant Superintendent of Police Dr Rameez Raja, BJP Co-Convener Khalid Rathore and Umer Jan were present at the inaugural event.

Later, Dr Andrabi paid obeisance at Ziyarat-e-Sheikh-ul-Aalam (RA) at Chrar-e-Sharif and reviewed the ongoing construction works at the shrine.

Waqf Board Administrator Mohammad Amin Dar and members of the engineering team, including Executive Engineer Er Qazi Mushtaq, In-Charge Officer Er Rehmat Ullah Bhat, Assistant Engineer Er Ghulam-e-Murtaza and Er Javed Wani, accompanied her during the visit.
Dr Andrabi directed the concerned officers to ensure completion of the ongoing works within the stipulated timeframe.(KNS)