District Administration Udhampur, in collaboration with the Udhampur Cricket Academy and District Youth Services & Sports Office Udhampur, today organised the Mini IPL Cricket tournament under the Youth Empowerment Programme at Subash Stadium, Udhampur.
Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, while Additional District Development Commissioner Jugal Kishore attended as guest of honour. District Youth Services & Sports Officer Tarsem Singh and Sports Council Manager Suraj Bhan were special guests on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the efforts of all departments and stakeholders in organising the tournament. He expressed confidence that the Mini IPL would serve as an ideal platform for identifying promising cricketing talent from Udhampur and neighbouring areas, enabling young players to progress towards higher-level competitions.
He said the Youth Empowerment Programme would channelise youth energy into constructive activities through sports and recreation, and that such initiatives would continue to receive full support for the holistic growth of young people. He also appreciated the efforts of all departments, organisers, sponsors, team owners and management involved in the event.
Additional District Development Commissioner Jugal Kishore described the Mini IPL as one of the first-of-its-kind youth empowerment programmes in the region, conceived to create opportunities for young sportspersons through a structured platform to nurture talent, promote healthy competition and build confidence.
He said the Under-19 format has been designed to identify and encourage emerging cricket talent by offering young players exposure to a professional sporting environment, motivating them to pursue excellence in cricket and other sports. As many as 12 teams from different parts of the region are participating in the tournament.