Baramulla, Aug 20: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday said there was no dearth of talent among the youth in J&K saying that they only needed right opportunities and guidance to realise their potential.
Addressing a gathering during the knockout ceremony of the Chinar Premier League (CPL)-2026, Atal Dulloo, who was the chief guest at the knock out ceremony at General BipinRawat Stadium Baramulla, said the youth of J&K were full of enthusiasm, passion and the ability to move forward.
“They only need the right opportunity and the right path. We are sitting on a gold mine of talent and opportunity,” he added.
Referring to Chinar Premier League (CPL)-2026, J&K CS said the tournament would provide young cricketers a platform to showcase their talent.
He also congratulated Indian Army’s Dagger Division for organising the event, saying such initiatives provide youth with a “positive, healthy and creative stage” while strengthening peace, brotherhood and mutual trust through sports.
He said cricket was not merely a game but carried important lessons of discipline, team spirit, mutual respect and sportsmanship.
“The field teaches us how to win with humility and how to lose with patience. These are the principles that show the way to success in life,” the Chief Secretary said.
Addressing the players, Dulloo said the athletes must follow three principles that they should always play with discipline, play with passion and hard work besides respecting their competitors, umpires and the audience.
“The real champion is the one who wins people’s hearts with his good character and behaviour,” he said.
The Chief Secretary said the future of Jammu and Kashmir was closely linked to its youth. “When young people progresses in sports, education and national development, society as a whole moves forward,” he added.
He said tournaments such as the CPL also promote interaction among players from different regions, enabling them to understand and learn from each other and forge new friendships.
“This is the real strength of national unity,” he said.
Dulloo also said there was a need to build self-confidence among young people so that they could dream big and develop the capacity to turn those dreams into reality.
Quoting former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s famous observation on dreams, he urged youth to nurture ambitions that would inspire them to work relentlessly towards achieving them.
“I am hopeful that the CPL-2026 would strengthen friendship, unity and healthy competition and wished all participating teams success,” he said.
He also lauded the coaches, teachers, sportspersons and all those working to provide young players opportunities to progress through hard work and determination.
Meanwhile, CPL-2026 entered Knockout Stage on August 20 while the mid-tournament milestone marked 1.6 million viewers, 1,600 athletes, and a grassroots push for peace spearheaded by the Indian Army.
CPL-2026 has officially concluded its historic league phase. Evolving from a modest local tournament into a premier sporting spectacle, CPL-2026 successfully integrated athletes across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, marking a monumental milestone for regional stability and youth development.
After the preliminary stage, CPL-2026 now advances to the knockouts.
“By breaking down historical geographical barriers, the league has provided a shared, inclusive platform where youth from diverse backgrounds can connect, compete, and unite under a national spotlight,” one of the organisers said. CPL-2026 garnered massive attention locally and nationally, including through online streaming platforms.
“1,600 athletes engaged in CPL-2026 giving youth a shot at athletic glory,” he said. As per the figures, as many as 79 competing teams have been selected for CPL-2026 out of 130 applicant teams.
The 79 teams are divided across 26 pools under which 81 matches will be played across eight venues, decentralizing the action and bringing high-octane cricket directly to local communities.
“32 teams have already qualified to battle for the championship in the knockout stage,” an official said.
On Thursday Sheeri Blasters faced Downtown Bijbera in the thrilling inaugural knockout match. Commissioner Secretary Department of Youth Services and Sports Dr.Shahid Iqbal Choudhary was the guest of honour while Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Syed Fakhruddin Hamid, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the 19 Infantry Division Major General Manoj Joshi and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla Guriderpal Singh were also present at the occasion.
