Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday inaugurated the 22nd All India Vice-Chancellor T-20 Cricket Tournament for university staff members at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu).
The national-level sporting event has brought together 24 university teams and approximately 500 participants from different parts of the country, providing a platform for university employees to showcase their sporting abilities and promote fitness through cricket.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister appreciated SKUAST-Jammu for hosting the prestigious tournament and bringing together participants from universities across India. He observed that such national events provide Jammu and Kashmir with an opportunity to showcase its hospitality, organisational capabilities and sporting enthusiasm.
He further highlighted that sporting competitions play an important role in strengthening institutional relationships and fostering connections among universities from different regions of the country.
Emphasising the importance of fitness and an active lifestyle, Omar Abdullah noted that the participation of university staff members in sporting activities sends a positive message about maintaining physical well-being across all age groups.
The Chief Minister encouraged the participating teams to compete with enthusiasm, fairness and dedication while upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship. He also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting teamwork, discipline, mutual respect and healthy competition.
The participation of 24 university teams and nearly 500 individuals reflects the growing interest in sports and recreational activities among academic and university communities.
The tournament is expected to provide participants with an opportunity to interact with colleagues from different institutions while strengthening professional and cultural bonds through sporting engagement.
Minister for Agriculture Production Javed Dar and Minister for Youth Services and Sports Mir Saifullah were also present on the occasion.
The hosting of the tournament at SKUAST-Jammu highlights the university’s role in promoting sporting activities alongside its academic and agricultural research commitments, while bringing national-level sporting engagement to Jammu and Kashmir.
