Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Monday witnessed the final match of the prestigious Shaheed Wali Mohammad Itoo Cricket Tournament held at DH Pora in Kulgam district, in an event that brought together youth from across the region in a spirited display of sporting talent and community fellowship.
The tournament, organised in honour of the late Shaheed Wali Mohammad Itoo, provided a vibrant competitive platform for teams from multiple areas, celebrating the spirit of cricket while paying tribute to a figure of local reverence. The final attracted enthusiastic crowds, underlining the deep connect between sports and community identity in Kulgam.
Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo commended the organisers for creating a constructive and well-managed event that channelled the energy and talent of local youth. She highlighted that sports serve a vital role beyond competition, fostering discipline, teamwork, leadership and a sense of purpose among young people. She reiterated the J&K government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and expanding grassroots sporting opportunities across the Union Territory, including in rural and remote areas.
The minister emphasised that focused efforts are being made to identify and nurture talent at the earliest stages, with the government keen to support budding athletes from Kulgam and other districts in making their mark at higher levels of competition. She called on young players to take full advantage of the facilities and programmes being offered and to approach their sporting pursuits with the same dedication and ambition as they would any professional career.
“The government is committed to empowering our youth through sports, education and skill development initiatives. Sports not only contribute to physical well-being but also instil values of perseverance, leadership and mutual respect,” Itoo said.
In a fitting conclusion to the event, the minister distributed trophies, medals and certificates to the winning and runner-up teams, congratulating all participants for their performance and encouraging them to continue striving for excellence and to aspire to represent Jammu and Kashmir at state and national levels.
The tournament stands as a meaningful community initiative that honours local heritage while investing in the sporting future of Kulgam’s youth.
