Srinagar, Nov 22 (JKNS): As the Third CRPF Cricket Tournament got underway in Srinagar, Inspector General of CRPF P.K. Sharma on Saturday said that the force is equally focused on maintaining peace and fostering youth engagement through sports in the Valley.
Talking to reporters at Sonwar’s SK stadium, IG Sharma said the tournament has become an annual feature aimed at channelising the energy of young people towards positive activities. “This event, which we started in 2023, has received overwhelming response. Over 120 teams from Srinagar, Baramulla and Ganderbal registered, and after a draw, sixteen made it to the final list,” he said as per the news agency JKNS.
Organised by the CRPF in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, the matches are being played on grounds provided by the University of Kashmir. “We’ve set age categories, under 19 and under 23 to ensure maximum youth participation. The enthusiasm among Kashmiri youngsters for cricket is remarkable,” Sharma said.
On the broader situation in Srinagar, the IG said security agencies are maintaining close coordination to ensure peace and stability. “All possible measures are in place. The focus remains on peace, development and positive engagement with citizens,” he said, adding that the CRPF’s relationship with locals has strengthened steadily over the years.
“The cooperation we receive from the people of Kashmir is heartening. Sports, too, is helping us build trust and harmony,” Sharma said. —(JKNS)
