To engage the youth of Kashmir Valley into various sports activities, the Indian army has kick-started the fifth edition of the Kashmir Premier League. Over 3200 youngsters are a part of the Kashmir Premier League, with 200 teams from the valley participating. In the first knock-out, out of these 200 teams, 10 have been selected for the final phase of Kashmir Premier League 2022.
The main motive of starting the Kashmir Premier League is to provide a platform for the youngsters to take up sports as their career. And also, to keep youth away from drugs and other vices.
”We Chinar Corp started the Kashmir Premier League in 2011 and after a long break last year we started it again. This year we are organising it on a bigger level and 3200 students have been involved in this tournament. Over 200 teams participated and 3000 officials and games in charge have been engaged in it. We are motivating the youth. The youngsters are extremely happy about the army organising the event. ” said Brigadier Tarun Narula, commander of Chinar Air Defence Brigade.
While the Indian army is engaged in anti-terror operations in the Kashmir Valley, at the same time they are engaging the youth of the valley into sports and other activities which can make their future bright. The Indian army is sponsoring the whole KPL tournament, from uniforms to cricket playing kits, everything has been provided by the Indian army.
The youth of the valley are happy and excited to be a part of the Kashmir Premier League. A lot of the players hope that KPL would be a starting point for their journey in the world of cricket.
”This is a great tournament, and I would say that more and more such activities and tournaments should be held in the valley. The youth who are involved in the drugs can be easily kept away from such vices,” said Danish Ahmad, Ganderbal, Player.
”The youth of the valley are also seeing this as an opportunity so that in future they can play for the country as well. ” It’s a new platform for the youngsters and young children are coming forward to play. Those who perform here would get a chance to play at a bigger level. It’s a great platform for the youth of the valley.” said Ishfaq Tantray, another player.