Pulwama, once regarded as one of the most vulnerable and violence-affected towns in south Kashmir, is witnessing a different kind of energy, with floodlights illuminating its cricket stadium and young people filling the stands with hope and excitement.
The heartening scenes were witnessed at the Pulwama cricket stadium as the second edition of the Royal Premier Cricket League got underway. A large number of young people gathered at the stadium, reflecting the growing interest in sports in Pulwama. Locals have welcomed the return of the league, saying sporting events provide crucial opportunities for young people and help create a positive atmosphere in the district. Ten teams from across Kashmir are participating in the Royal Premier League. It’s an effort to bring happiness and hope on the faces of youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Before this, when did we do a kabaddi event that was successful, and we hope this will also be very successful. Prime Minister Modi also mentioned the league in Mann Ki Baat.
Officials estimated that more than 20,000 people turned up for the opening match of the day-night tournament, cheering, beating drums and celebrating the start of the league.
Speaking about the tournament, Waheed-Ur-Rehman Para, MLA Pulwama, said, “It is excellent that the Royal Premium League—the tournament you are witnessing in Pulwama—marks a beginning; it is an effort to bring some happiness to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, who are going through a tough time and facing considerable stress and hardship. Organiser Irfan Sarkar said, “You see how many events happened this year in Pulwama district, and this second night event.
The Royal Premier League had also been mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat programme last year, highlighting the tournament’s popularity. The trophy was unveiled by PDP MLA Waheed Parra, while Pulwama SSP Tanu Shree performed the toss with the organiser before the opening match. The Royal Premier League, a day-night cricket tournament, had generated considerable excitement among sports fans in Kashmir last year as well.
