As part of its coordinated efforts to encourage the sporting culture amongst the youth of the Valley, the Army regularly organises various sports leagues and championships at regional levels. Continuing with this initiative, the Baramulla Premier League was inaugurated on 17thOctober 2018 at Showkat Ali Stadium involving participation of 64 teams from Baramulla district.
The first match was played between Pangong XI and Blue Star Jetty. Several prominent officers from district and civil administration and the Army including GOC Dagger Division were present on the occasion, in addition to members of the Sports Council and District Cricket Association, Baramulla.
Another tournament, the Bandipora Cricket League – 2018, also commenced on 17th October at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium, Bandipora wherein 16 teams from both the districts of Bandipora and Baramulla are participating and the matches will be played on knockout basis.
The aim of conducting these tournaments is to channelise the Kashmir youth towards sports activities by providing them a platform to showcase their talent and encouraging them to inculcate the hobby of sports. The events have generated a lot of enthusiasm amongst the locals, especially the participants and spectators. It will also offer an ideal platform to handpick the local talent and engage the youth of the region for a brighter future.