Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Choudhary Lal Singh today inaugurated Jammu Kathua Premier League (JKPL) Season-I by declaring T-20 Cricket Tournament open at Kathua Stadium. The tournament is being organized by young sports enthusiast from across the district, in which 32 teams from Jammu region are participating and the tournament will last for a month.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister called upon the youth of J&K to participate in sports activities wholeheartedly and bring laurels to the State. He said there is no dearth of talent among the youth of the state, adding that need of the hour is to channelize it in the right direction. He appreciated the organizers for organizing such mega event, saying that this would provide a platform to the interested youth in the sports to show their talent.
He further said that the Government is making all out efforts for the promotion of sports activities by upgrading existing and creating new sports infrastructure in the State.The Minister also called upon the youth for actively participate in sports activities. He urged upon the people particularly youth to stay away from social evils including drug abuses.The Minister assured the sports enthusiast present on the occasion of every possible support in developing the play field, besides providing services of coaches.The first match of the tournament was played between Rising Star Nagri and Dravid Cricket Club Kathua.