Senior Congress Leader and MLA Inderwal, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori today inaugurated the cricket tournament “Christmas cup” here at Udhampur.The inaugural match of Cricket tournament Christmas cup was played between Knight Riders Udhampur and Friends Cricket Club-11. The tournament kick started by Member Legislative Assembly (MLA), G M Saroori in a well attended opening function. He interacted with the teams playing in the inaugural match and lauded the efforts of chairman organising committee, Mr. Rajan and also Christian committee Jammu for making the event a regular feature.Friends Cricket Club-11 won the toss and elected to bat and made 67 runs in 10 over’s. Chasing the target Knight Riders Udhampur easily chased down the target and made 68 runs. Knight Riders Udhampur won the match by a 6 wickets.In this tournament 20 teams from across the Jammu, Udhampur, Chennani, Nagrota, Ramban and Kathua will participate and the tournament final will be played on Christmas day. The winner team Knight Riders Udhampur was given a Trophy and cash price were given and Runner up was given a Trophy by Chief Guest Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Saroori. Satish of Knight Riders Udhampur was declared Man of the Match for securing quick 43 runs. He was given a Trophy for Man of the Match.
While addressing players Saroori said Losing or winning of a game is immaterial but participating as worthy sports persons, performing to once best capacity and maintaining quality of conduct while playing is counted a lot at the end of the day.“Our boys and girls are none to anyone”, Saroori said adding that they need proper opportunities, coaching and exposure to prove their mettle. He said that for this purpose creation of sports temperament and encouragement to the players is essential. He said the tournament like Christian cup would provide opportunities to the players to excel and be seen in the IPL and other National tournaments.Saroori also congratulated the Association for the initiative and hoped that such tournament would not only provide wholesome entertainment to the players and spectators but also go a long way in strengthening the bonds of fraternity.Prominent among those Chairman Auqaf Tehsil Udhampur, Shakeel Shah, Congress Leader Mansoor Ahmed Mattoo, Prominent citizens including Ashu Sharma, Abdul Rashid, Dr. K C Sharma and galaxy of audience were present to see the inaugural match at Udhampur.Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. Rajan presented a brief note of the tournament amidst introduction of the oragnising committee to the chief guest. The tournament motive is to bring people across the other region closer to each and to develop and encourage sports culture in Udhampurr, and remember Anwar Hussain brother of Rajan who died some couple of years ago.