Jammu, Jan 7: Martand Singh, Director, Amar Singh Sports & Youth Initiative, Jammu & Kashmir, has extended his heartiest congratulations to the Jammu & Kashmir Under-16 Cricket Team on their emphatic victory in the Vijay Merchant Trophy Plate Group, marking the first-ever BCCI title for J&K. He stated that this victory is a defining moment for J&K cricket especially during this crucial time.
Describing the achievement as historic and inspiring, he said the team’s dominant performance in the final truly reflects the rising cricketing talent of Jammu & Kashmir. J&K clinched the four-day final with one day to spare, defeating Mizoram by an innings and 182 runs, showcasing remarkable discipline, skill, and teamwork at the national level.
Martand Singh, as per a statement issued on Wednesday, lauded the outstanding all-round performance of the team, highlighting the commanding first-innings effort where J&K posted 400 runs, gaining a massive 300-run lead. Special appreciation was extended to Captain Smagey Khajuria for his brilliant century and to Athrav Sharma for his composed and impactful unbeaten knock. He also commended the bowlers for their clinical display, with Sanil Singh, Jaskaran Singh, and Hammaad Firdous playing a decisive role in bundling out the opposition in both innings.
Martand Singh also acknowledged the great role of the J&K Cricket Association [JKCA] sub-committee members, Brigadier Anil Gupta and Shri Vidya Bhaskar. He credited the success to the visionary leadership of present BCCI President, Mithun Manhas, who till recently was a Member, Cricket Operations of the JKCA Sub-committee.
Martand Singh stated that this resounding victory has brought immense pride to the entire region and has been rightly acknowledged as a historic BCCI title by various quarters. He emphasised that such achievements underline the huge talent and potential of young cricketers in Jammu & Kashmir.
While congratulating the players, coaches, and support staff, he expressed a strong belief that many more such milestones can be achieved if Jammu & Kashmir is provided with world-class cricket infrastructure and modern training facilities and urged the BCCI and government to prioritise sports development, particularly cricket, at the grassroots level.
He concluded by wishing the team continued success and greater achievements in the future, expressing hope that this landmark victory will serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring young sportspersons across Jammu & Kashmir.
