Baramulla, Jul 20 (KNO): Stressing on the need to provide youngsters with right opportunities and direction to realise their potential, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday said that J&K youth can script a brighter future through sports, education and nation building.
Chief Secretary Dulloo, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), while speaking at the knockout ceremony of the Chinar Premier League 2026 at General Bipin Rawat Stadium here in North Kashmir said, “Sports can strengthen peace, brotherhood and confidence among youth. Indian Army’s Dagger Division has done a wonderful job by engaging young people in positive, healthy and creative activities.”
As per the officials nearly 6,000 spectators, including school students, cricket enthusiasts and sports lovers, attended the event.
The Chief Secretary said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir possess immense talent, courage and potential. “I will say that we are sitting on a gold mine of talent and opportunity. Our youth have courage and the potential to move forward, but the right opportunity and direction are needed,” he said.
He said cricket should be viewed beyond competition as it promotes discipline, team spirit and mutual respect.
The Chief Secretary urged players to uphold discipline, courage, hard work and respect for their competitors. “A champion is one who wins hearts by their character,” he said.
The Chief Secretary said the CPL provides a platform for talented youngsters to showcase their abilities and contributes towards building peace, brotherhood and self-confidence among youth.
He said Jammu and Kashmir’s bright future lies with its young population, adding that when youth engage in sports, pursue education and contribute to nation building, society as a whole progresses towards development.
The CPL-2026, spearheaded by the Indian Army in partnership with BCF, features 1,600 athletes, 79 teams and 81 matches across eight venues.
Following selections from 130 applicants and competition across 26 pools, 32 teams have advanced to the knockout stage. The tournament aims to promote youth engagement, sportsmanship, community participation and social cohesion through cricket—(KNO)