Minister for Information Technology, Technical Education and Youth Services and Sports, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari today declared open Late ‘Maulana Iftikhar Hussain Ansari Memorial T-20’ cricket tournament 2018 at Rakhi Arath, Bemina organized by Ansari Cricket Organization.Minister interacted with the players of Danish Cricket Club and MS Cricket Club who participated in the inaugural match.Highlighting the importance of sports in the harmonious development of a person, Ansari urged upon the youth to actively participate in the sports activities and asked them to bring laurels to the State by proving their mettle in National and international events.Ansari said that the participation of youth in sports activities keeps them healthy and strong beside it also keeps them away from social evils.Affirming the youngsters as future of the nation, the Minister maintained that the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and sports department is aimed at providing a platform to the talented youth to showcase their skills and utilize their capabilities at the professional level.On the demand of the players, the Minister announced the matting for the ground turf and sports kits to the winning and runners team of the tournament.Reiterating the focus of present dispensation to maintain existing sports infra, especially play fields and develop new ones, Ansari assured the locals that the playground at Rakhi Arath, Bemina will be developed as per modern outline.As many as 32 teams of the different districts of Kashmir Division are participating in the tournament.Among others, prominent citizens of the area and a large number of sports lovers were present on the occasion.