Vadodara, Jan 21: After leading her team, Delhi Capitals, to the second victory of Women's Premier League (WPL) 2026 with a commanding half-century, captain Jemimah Rodrigues praised Marizanne Kapp's outstanding Power-play spell that set the tone for their victory over Mumbai Indians.  Delhi built a strong foundation with the ball, led by an impressive performance from Marizanne Kapp. Kapp was exceptional at the start, bowling 16 dot balls. She gave away just eight runs in her four overs and did not allow a single boundary. Her control, alongside Nandani Sharma, left Mumbai struggling at 23/2 during the Powerplay, with Sajana (9) and Hayley Matthews (12) getting out early. "Today was a very important game for us. I want to share this award with Kappy (Marizanne Kapp). I even asked if I could do that. The way she bowled in the Power-play got us into the game. It was one of the best spells she ever bowled. She is a legend of the game, but she still wants to become better," said Rodrigues after the match. On the bowling side for Delhi, N. Sree Charani stood out. She took three wickets for 33 runs, including two wickets in the 18th over, to help keep the Mumbai team to a low score of 154/5. Kapp provided assistance with a 1-wicket for 8 runs effort to keep the Mumbai total to below expectations. After a perfect start to the chase from Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma, Rodrigues 51 off 37 deliveries was key to Delhi's win. She added a quick 31 runs off mere 17 deliveries, partnering with Kapp, which came mostly in doubles. She said that sharp running between the wickets and giving herself time early were central to building the innings on a challenging surface. "Even when she came in, I thought what set our partnership was the running between the wickets. I think I have had a few conversations with the few people I trust. They have all told me to take some time initially. I have played a lot on pitches like this. So it is about getting through the first 10 balls. So I know if I do that, batting becomes easy." Earlier, after suffering early jolts, the Mumbai Indians were able to create stability through their known strengths Nat Sciver-Brunt showed her loyalty once again by being a key part of the Mumbai innings with an unbeaten 65 runs from 45 deliveries, while the captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, provided a solid performance with a score of 41. They both added 78 runs, which was the key to Mumbai's respectable total. Rodrigues felt anything under 160 was chaseable, provided partnerships were stitched together, and added that she drew lessons from Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur’s approach while batting. "We knew that anything under 160 was a fighting score. But we would need partnerships. I learnt a little bit from Nat (Sciver-Brunt) and Harmanpreet Kaur) too, from the way they played (tonight)." (IANS)

Jammu, Jan 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma Sunday said that the remarkable achievements of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth are a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through fair opportunities, modern infrastructure and unwavering government support. Addressing the gathering during the SRIJAN initiative conference, the Minister stated that the success of young athletes clearly demonstrates that with the right ecosystem in place, the UT youth are capable of overcoming every challenge and competing confidently at national and international platforms. Highlighting the core focus areas of the SRIJAN programme, Satish Sharma said "the initiative is playing a transformative role in strengthening the sports landscape of the Union Territory by expanding grassroots sports infrastructure across Jammu, Kashmir and other regions. This is being done by ensuring transparent, merit-based selections free from any bias; integrating sports with education and skill development; promoting greater participation of girls and enhancing inclusivity and establishing sports as a dignified and sustainable career option with viable livelihood opportunities, he said0. He reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment and said that sustained efforts were underway to create international-standard sports facilities, including modern cricket stadiums in Jammu and Srinagar. He also highlighted the strengthening of Khelo India Centres, promotion of traditional sports such as Dangal and enhanced collaboration with the Union Ministry to transform Jammu & Kashmir into a national sports hub. “As Sports Minister, I assure our athletes that the government stands firmly with them. Our focus is not only on infrastructure creation but also on nurturing talent, discipline and confidence among the youth,” he said. The Minister lauded the determination, resilience and dedication of young sportspersons, describing them as the living legacy of the SRIJAN mission. He urged them to continue training with passion, remain disciplined and dream fearlessly, assuring them of full institutional support at every step of their journey. Satish Sharma expressed hope that the conference would serve as the foundation of a new era where every talented child, from the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, is provided an equal opportunity to shine on the global stage. He concluded by reiterating the government’s resolve to make sports a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, social inclusion and regional pride in Jammu and Kashmir. Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Anuradha Gupta and prominent persons from different fields and states  along with senior officers of the Youth Services and Sports Department, were also present on the occasion.

New Delhi, Jan 17: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has questioned the Ashes selection calls, saying he is still unable to understand why Josh Inglis was preferred over Beau Webster during the series.  Despite making an impressive start to his Test career, including a match-winning performance on debut during last year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy finale, Webster was left out of Australia’s starting XI for November’s Ashes opener in Perth, with fellow all-rounder Cameron Green taking his spot at No. 6. The 32-year-old was also sidelined for the following two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide, with national selectors instead calling up reserve wicketkeeper Inglis, who posted scores of 23, 32 and 10 batting at No. 7. Webster finally got a chance during the New Year’s Ashes Test at the SCG, where he scored an unbeaten 71 and took three wickets with his part-time off spin. “At the start I was surprised they went with Inglis ahead of Beau. With the selectors, I know they look very deeply into data with these things. There must have been something there; a metric and Inglis must have better numbers. But I can’t figure out how they did that, to be honest," Ponting told SEN Tassie. Ponting suggested the decision was puzzling, especially given Webster’s form and ability to offer greater balance to the side, and felt the selectors missed an opportunity by overlooking him throughout the Ashes. “I was surprised, but every time I see Beau play, he just continues to put forward a case as to why he should be in the side. Now we know an opportunity has come up at No. 5 with Usman Khawaja not there. I can’t see any world in which Travis Head doesn’t continue as opener, so maybe it’s Beau’s chance to grab that No. 5 spot. “He may not be the flashiest or the most stylish, but he’s a gamer. He knows what has to happen in situations, ball or field. It will be hard to leave him out going forward," Ponting added. Last week, Webster had confessed he was “disappointed” to miss selection for the first four Tests of the Ashes campaign. (IANS)

Srinagar, Jan 11: Fauz e Azeem, popularly known by his in-game name Kalyug, has achieved a historic milestone in Indian e-sports. He became the only e-sports player from Kashmir to be nominated by Krafton Esports India at its first-ever award show, under the prestigious Rookie E-sports Player of the Year category. The award ceremony was held in Mumbai, bringing together the biggest names in Indian gaming. Fauz-e-Azeem’s nomination is the result of years of consistent performance, discipline, and resilience in the highly competitive Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) ecosystem. Having played BGMI since its inception, he steadily rose through the ranks, earning respect as a clutch performer and team player on the national stage. Over the past few seasons, Fauz-e-Azeem has delivered standout results across major LAN and national tournaments including Sky Realme LAN Championship and also achieved overall 17th rank in BGIS 2023 and 8th rank in BMPS LAN besides being recognised at the most valuable player securing rank 4. These achievements place him among India’s most promising emerging talents and underline his ability to perform under high-pressure LAN environments—an area where only the most composed players thrive. Fauz-e-Azeem’s journey is more than a personal success story. It represents a breakthrough moment for Kashmir’s gaming and youth community. Competing from a region with limited infrastructure and exposure, his rise to national recognition sends a powerful message—that talent from Kashmir can compete and shine at the highest levels of Indian e-sports. His nomination by Krafton Esports India not only validates his individual excellence but also opens doors for aspiring gamers from the region, encouraging them to pursue e-sports as a legitimate and respected career path. With his growing experience, consistent LAN performances, and national recognition, Fauz-e-Azeem “Kalyug” is widely seen as a player to watch in upcoming BGMI seasons. As Indian e-sports continues to expand, his journey stands as an inspiration—proof that passion, perseverance, and performance can overcome geographical and structural barriers.

Shabroz Malik Srinagar, Jan 11: Women cyclists from Baramulla district delivered commendable performances at the Khelo India Asmita Women’s League, held in Kurukshetra, Haryana, from January 10 to 11 of this year This marked the first-ever participation of the Jammu and Kashmir women’s cycling team in the prestigious national event. Mehak Mushtaq finished 12th in the 30 km Time Trial and secured 13th place in the 60 km Mass Start despite suffering a crash during the race, officials said. Ulfat Mushtaq achieved 10th place in the 30 km Time Trial and 11th position in the 60 km Mass Start. Another rider from the district, Hoor-i-ein Lone, finished 16th overall. In other notable performances, Sofia Hilal and Sobiya Manzoor secured 7th and 8th positions respectively in their events, adding to Baramulla’s strong showing at the league. Officials and sports bodies hailed the performances as a significant milestone for women’s sports in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that all participating riders represented District Baramulla. The debut participation of the J&K women’s cycling team in the Khelo India Asmita League was described as a historic step towards greater representation of women athletes from the region at the national level. The performances have brought recognition to Baramulla district and are expected to encourage more young women in Jammu and Kashmir to take up competitive sports, particularly cycling, officials added.

New Delhi, Jan 10: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports and Transport, Satish Sharma Saturday met with Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and projected several issues and initiatives related  to sports upgradation aiming transformation of Jammu and Kashmir into a national hub of sports excellence. The Minister submitted a comprehensive Memorandum outlining  an ambitious, multi-sectoral roadmap to upgrade sports infrastructure, promote youth engagement, generate employment and position Jammu and Kashmir as a premier destination for sports tourism and high-performance training. He highlighting cricket was a passion for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and sought sanction of international-standard cricket stadiums at Srinagar and Jammu. He stated that the absence of such facilities has long restricted the region from hosting national and international fixtures. He emphasized that these stadiums would not only revive top level cricket in the UT but also boost tourism and inspire a new generation of athletes. The Minister also proposed creation of a Border Sports Development Circuit spanning Kathua–Samba, Akhnoor–Chhamb, Poonch–Nowshera–Rajouri, Uri–Baramulla–Kupwara and Karnah–Gurez, aimed at harnessing the sporting talent of youth living in border and far-flung areas. He sought special grants for development of Dangal Akharas, cycling tracks, hockey and football fields besides provision of sports equipment in all border panchayats to strengthen grassroots sports and youth engagement. To promote employment through sports, Satish Sharma requested for a financial support of ₹600 crore over five years for establishing 10 Border Sports & Employment Hubs (BS-EH), five each in Jammu and Kashmir, equipped with multi-sport facilities, skill training classrooms and residential infrastructure. He also proposed a Border Youth Sports Apprenticeship Programme with an outlay of ₹300 crore, a Coaches & Trainers Wage Support Scheme of ₹150 crore and a High-Altitude & Winter Sports Livelihood Programme of ₹120 crore for areas like Gurez, Tangdhar and Teetwal. The Minister laid special emphasis on water and winter sports, seeking establishment of a National Water Sports Centre of Excellence at Basohli (Kathua) by upgrading the world-class facility at Ranjit Sagar Dam. He also proposed declaring Jammu & Kashmir as India’s National Hub for Paddle and Water Sports, leveraging its unparalleled natural water resources. Satish Sharma further sought revival of the Arun Jaitley International Cricket Stadium Project at Hiranagar, whose upgradation had been sanctioned earlier but stalled due to external impediments. He requested the Union Ministry’s intervention to remove obstacles and ensure completion of the project, calling it a landmark for the Jammu region. To optimally utilise the growing sports infrastructure in J&K, the Minister proposed a Special Coaches Engagement Scheme for hiring qualified national and international-level coaches on contract basis, especially in priority disciplines like gymnastics, water sports, winter sports and cricket. He also called for regularisation and utilisation of registered NYCs as a skilled human resource base in sports. He recognised the need for quality accommodation to host national and international sporting events and sought development of modern Youth Hostels at Jammu and Srinagar under the Khelo India framework to boost sports tourism and training capacity. Satish Sharma also called for expediting the long-pending National Winter Sports Centre of Excellence at Gulmarg, seeking direct facilitation for engagement of international consultants and release of funds to the J&K Sports Council to kick-start this landmark project. Speaking on the occasion, Satish Sharma said that Jammu and Kashmir has immense untapped sporting potential and world-class natural advantages. “With focused national support, our youth can become champions on the global stage while sports can become a powerful engine of employment, tourism and regional development,” he said. The Minister expressed confidence that the proposals, aligned with the Khelo India vision and National Sports Development Agenda, would help establish Jammu and Kashmir as a leading sporting destination and talent hub of India.

Udhampur, Jan 10: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Saturday conducted an extensive tour of far-flung areas of Tehsil Panchari of  District Udhampur and felicitated the winners of  6th ISKOI India Karate Championship–2025 during an impressive medal ceremony held at Government Higher Secondary School, Panchari here. Mission Director POSHAN Sajad Ahmad Ganai, Director Social Welfare Jammu Ranjeet Singh, Director Health Services Jammu, Director Colleges, PO Poshan, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Joint Director School Education Udhampur -Reasi, DDC Member Panchari, other district officers, parents of medal winners and large number of locals were also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Minister congratulated the girl achievers, their parents and the local populace on the remarkable accomplishment of young girls. She lauded their dedication, discipline and fighting spirit and expressed  pride in the fact that many of these medal winners hailed from far-flung and remote areas, overcoming limited resources and challenging circumstances, to bring laurels to Jammu and Kashmir. Minister Sakeena said that the achievements of these young girl sportspersons reflect their hard work and their parents as well as the growing sports culture in the region. “Your success proves that talent knows no geographical barriers. With determination and proper guidance, our youth can excel on any national and international platform,” she stated. Highlighting the importance of sports, the Minister said that sporting activities provide a common platform for budding sportspersons to showcase their talent and prepare them to face challenges in life. She urged the participants to actively engage in sports for physical fitness, mental well-being  and overall personality development. She assured continued government support for promoting sports activities, especially in rural and far-flung areas, to ensure equal opportunities for talented players. She also lauded the efforts of the International Shito-Ryu Karate Organisation of India for promoting sports culture among youth, especially in rural areas. During the ceremony, the Minister interacted with the players, coaches and parents, appreciating the role of coaches and families in nurturing young talent. She encouraged the medal winners to continue their  training and aim for greater achievements at national and international competitions. During the ceremony, as many as 47 medal winners of the 6th ISKOI India Karate championship–2025 were felicitated by the  Minister and presented trophies and prizes to them. On the sidelines of the event, Sakeena Itoo Later distributed school bags and umbrellas under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme. Later, the Minister also interacted with DDC Member Panchari, former PRI members and locals who projected several  issues and demands pertaining to health, education, road and other sector before the Minister. While interacting with them, the Minister said that the Director Health Services Jammu has been given strict instructions to prepare a holistic plan for upgradation of medical care facilities at the PHC Panchari as well as addressing shortage of staff, owing to the remoteness of area from district head quarters. She further added that the maintenance of road and allied works will be taken up with concerned quarters for immediate redressal. She reaffirmed that the Government led by  Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is committed to strengthen road connectivity, health infrastructure and other essential facilities to ensure every basic service is available at the doorsteps of common people. She also said that the Tourism potential of the Panchari area will be tapped to its full extent by the Government, which will eventually lead to overall development of the area and add to its economic efficiency.

New Delhi, Jan 8: A prominent member of India's shooting coaching staff, Ankush Bhardwaj has been suspended by the national federation over the accusations of sexual harassment leveled by a minor shooter. The National Rifles Association of India (NRAI) has confirmed that an FIR has been filed against Bhardwaj in Faridabad. "NRAI has suspended him and we will issue a show-cause notice," NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia said. "He has been suspended on moral grounds. Now, he has to prove himself innocent. Till the inquiry is not completed, he will not be associated with any coaching activity," he added. Bhatia said NRAI had recommended Bhardwaj for a place in the 37-strong coaching team after the Paris Olympics in 2024. "It was on the recommendation of the NRAI that he was appointed by SAI as one of the coaches. It is a case of sexual harassment which happened in Surajkund," said Bhatia. Bhatia did not say when the incident took place but according to the FIR filed by the victim, she was targetted last month after a training session at the Karni Singh Range. The girl, who has been training with Bhardwaj since August last year, stated that she was left traumatised by the incident and spoke up in front of her mother on January 1 after being persistently probed. Bhardwaj, a former pistol shooter, had served a doping ban in 2010 for the use of a beta-blocker during his competitive days. (PTI)

Dhaka, Jan 7: Bangladesh government's sports advisor Asif Nazrul has said that he will do his best to convince the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate the country's match venues, calling out the highest body for failing to understand the situation's gravity. The development comes amid heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh. On Monday, the Bangladesh government ordered the suspension of the broadcast of all matches of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season amid the controversy surrounding Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman. "We sat together with the BCB directors—Aminul Islam, Faruque bhai and everyone else. Today we discussed the situation and we all agreed that Bangladesh earned qualification for the T20 World Cup through hard work. We are a cricket-crazy nation, and we definitely want to play," Nazrul was quoted by Cricbuzz as saying. "But we do not want to play the World Cup at the cost of national humiliation, at the cost of the security of our cricketers, spectators and journalists, or at the cost of the country's dignity. After reading the letter we received from the ICC today, it felt to us that they have not fully understood the serious security situation that has developed in India for Bangladeshi cricketers," he said. The decision comes after Rahman was released from the IPL following instructions issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), triggering widespread debate and criticism in Bangladesh. Following Rahman’s release, the BCB convened an emergency board meeting and has also approached the International Cricket Council (ICC) seeking the relocation of Bangladesh’s matches in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup from India, citing safety and security concerns. "To me, it does not feel like only a security issue - it feels like an issue of national humiliation as well. Still, we are primarily treating it as a security issue. When the Indian cricket board itself is telling the Kolkata team that they cannot provide security to this player (Mustafizur) and asking them to drop him from the team - that alone shows there is no environment in India where it is safe to play," he said. "We do not want to go into the wider communal situation in India. But when it comes to the security of our cricketers, the security of Bangladesh, and the honour and dignity of Bangladesh - there will be no compromise. We want to play cricket, we want to play the World Cup, and since there is another host country, Sri Lanka, we want to play there. We are firm on this position. Earlier, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has clarified that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has assured it of Bangladesh’s continued and unhindered involvement in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, firmly rejecting media reports that suggested the Board was issued an ultimatum. In a statement released following formal correspondence with the ICC, the BCB said the world governing body responded to its concerns about the safety and security of the Bangladesh National Cricket Team in India, including the request to relocate the team’s matches. According to the BCB, the ICC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh’s participation and expressed readiness to collaborate closely with the Board on security-related matters. "Why we are firm on this position? We hope we will be able to explain that to the ICC. And we hope the ICC will consider our arguments impartially and allow us to play in the T20 World Cup that we have earned through hard work," he said. "Our first stand is to convince the ICC. We have strong arguments and we will convince them with those arguments. The core principle of our stand is that on the question of Bangladesh's security, Bangladesh's honour and Bangladesh's dignity, there will be no compromise. But we definitely want to play the Cricket World Cup," Nazrul said. (IANS)

Suhail KhanTangmarg, Dec 5: Zubair Lone of Qazipora, Tangmarg, has made national sporting history by becoming the first Indian snowboarder to qualify for the FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup.Rising from the slopes of Gulmarg, Lone will now compete among the worlds top alpine snowboarders, transforming a local passion into a global breakthrough and paving a new path for Indian winter sports.Kashmir based newspaper Kashmir Convener reported that Lone will represent India at the season-opening event at the Mylin Ski Resort in China on December 6 and 7. The competition will feature the worlds top one hundred alpine snowboard athletes."I grew up in Tangmarg and Gulmarg, where snow shapes every season and daily life. Today, I stand on the world stage for India with a clear focus: to put India on the global snowboarding map," Lone said.I carry both responsibility and pride when I wear the national flag, he added.My immediate target is to finish among the top thirty-two athletes, which is crucial for qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics.Lone emphasized that his rigorous training has focused on technique, equipment, and fitness. He noted that his World Cup entry not only raises the competitive standard for Indian athletes but also opens a pathway for others to pursue elite snowboarding.Notably, the China event carries significant weight for qualification to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Fourteen subsequent World Cup events across Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Canada, Poland, Slovenia, and Bulgaria will determine the final rankings. Only the top thirty-two athletes across the series will secure Olympic berths, with each race impacting critical qualification points.

KS News DeskGuwahati, Nov 26 (PTI): Under-fire India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Wednesday said it was up to the BCCI to decide his future after the Test series whitewash against South Africa but also reminded everyone of the success the team has achieved in his eventful tenure.Gambhir was speaking after the humiliating 408-run drubbing at the hands of South Africa in the second Test here Wednesday, which gave the visitors a 2-0 series sweep."It is up to the BCCI to decide. I have said it in my first press conference when I took over as the head coach. Indian cricket is important, I am not important. And I sit here and say exactly the same thing," Gambhir was terse as usual at the post-match press conference."And yes, people can keep forgetting about it. I am the same guy who got results in England as well, with a young team. And I am sure you guys will forget very soon, because a lot of people keep talking about New Zealand (home series whitewash last year). And I am the same guy who won the Champions Trophy, and Asia Cup as well," Gambhir reminded.The combative response to the question on his future aside, Gambhir said he would not try to dodge the blame for the debacle against a very well-prepared South Africa."The blame lies with everyone and starts with me," he conceded in his first reactions after the 0-2 drubbing."We need to play better. From 95/1 to 122/7 is not acceptable. You don't blame any individual or any particular shot. Blame lies with everyone. I never blamed individuals and won't do it going forward," he added.Under Gambhir, India have lost 10 of their 18 Tests, including whitewashes against New Zealand last year and South Africa now at home.Gambhir has also attracted criticism for frequent changes in the team and his inclination to focus on all-rounders at the expense of specialists in the traditional format.He insisted that in Test cricket, a man with limited talent but tough mindset can trump prodigal talent on any given day."Red ball cricket is a completely different challenge to white ball cricket. There needs to be a different skill set. And more importantly, there need to be tough characters that are important to be a successful Test side," the former southpaw said."You don't need the most skillful and the most flamboyant players to succeed in Test cricket. You need the toughest characters with limited skills who will go on to succeed in Test cricket, irrespective of how the conditions and what the situation is," Gambhir said.Asked why India have not done well against quality spin attacks on slightly challenging tracks since the series against New Zealand, Gambhir insisted the team's core composition, which featured Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, was different at that time."Look, first of all, the series against New Zealand, we had a very different side," one could gauge where this was going."And this is a very different side. I am sure you guys cover a lot of cricket and I am sure when you see this batting line-up, the experience of that batting line-up to what this team has is chalk and cheese."So comparing everything to New Zealand is probably a wrong narrative," he was slightly agitated as he answered.And then he went on to cite the inexperience of the current line-up."I do not give excuses. I have never done that in the past. I will never do it in the future as well. But four or five batters in this top eight have literally played less than 15 Tests and they will grow. They are learning on the job and on the field," he said."Test cricket is never easy when you're playing against a top quality side. So you've got to give them time as well. So, for me, I think that is something they'll keep learning. Hopefully, they keep learning. That is important."Transition is a word that he "hates" but acknowledged that this is exactly what the side is going through right now."They need time to keep getting better against quality attacks and against quality sides. Yes, this is a team which has less experience and I've said it before as well, they need to keep learning and they're putting everything possible to turn the tide," he said.

KS News Desk Baramulla, Nov 7: Anantnag Rebels on Friday clinched the title of General Bipin Rawat Memorial Kashmir Womens Premier League (KWPL) 2025 by defeating Game Swingers Baramulla on Home ground- General Bipin Rawat stadium Baramulla.The cricket tournament commenced on October 29 of 2025 with the participation of 16 teams including eight professional teams and eight teams from the amateur side.The cricket tournament was organised in the memory of Indias first Chief of Defence Staff, Late General Bipin Rawat which was jointly supported by the Indian Army, Baramulla Cricket Forum, and District Administration Baramulla."It was a collective effort to and commitment for promotion of peace, cricketing talent and inclusion through sports," one of the organisers said.During the finals, Anantnag Rebels emerged as victorious by defeating Game Swingers Baramulla by nine wickets.While setting the target Baramulla scored 140 runs for the loss of two wickets in the allotted 20 overs.While chasing the target the openers from Anantnag Rebels made a good start which helped the  team to lift the victory easily against the opponents.Anantnag Rebels chased the score in 15 overs and lost only one wicket.Rubiya from Anantnag Rebels was felicitated as the Best batter, Man of the Match and Player of the tournament.Meanwhile, in the Amateur League, Army Goodwill School (AGS) Uri lifted the trophy by defeating, government girls higher Secondary School Baramulla.Sania Rashid was awarded the Player of the Tournament award for her extraordinary performance.The finals and post match presentation ceremony was attended by GOC Dagger Division Major General Paranvir Singh Punia, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh. Other senior officers from the Indian Army, youth leader Touseef Raina and other senior citizens from Baramulla town were also present at the occasion.In his address, chairman Baramulla Cricket Forum (BCF) Abdul Khaliq Wani said the General Bipin Rawat Memorial KWPL has captured the spirit of Kashmir."The enthusiasm and skill shown by these young women reflect a bright future for sports in the Valley," he said.