- Captain Saurabh Kalia Cricket Tournament
Kargil, July 05: The Captain Saurabh Kalia Cricket Tournament concluded with an electrifying final match where Skarchan Latoo clinched a thrilling victory over Friends Drass by a margin of 7 runs. The match, held at a packed stadium, saw Wasim from Skarchan Latoo awarded the prestigious Man of the Match title for his stellar performance. Khalil Khan from Friends Drass was honored with the Man of the Series award for his consistent contributions throughout the tournament.
The ceremony was graced by Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffar Akhone, as the Chief Guest, with Deputy GOC 8 Mountain Division Kargil serving as the Guest of Honour. Trophies were ceremoniously presented to the winners and runners-up of both the men’s and women’s categories.
In the women’s tournament, the University Campus Kargil Team emerged triumphant, with Govt Council Model High School Goma Kargil securing the runner-up position.
Dr. Jaffar Akhone underscored the tournament’s special significance this year, marking the 25th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. He highlighted how the event has evolved from a local affair to a district-level competition, providing a platform for participants to honor the martyrs through sportsmanship.
Among the dignitaries present were Executive Councillor Er. Punchok Tashi, Councillor Bhimbhat Abdul Wahid, Commander of the 121 Infantry Brigade, CO, Army officers, villagers, and a large gathering of spectators.
A player from the University Campus Kargil women’s team expressed gratitude to the Youths of Kaksar and the Indian Army for their support in showcasing women’s cricket talents. Talib Hussain from Latoo extended thanks to the Indian Army for organizing the cherished event, emphasizing its role in not only promoting cricket but also honoring the sacrifices of the martyrs. He advocated for expanding the tournament to a national level to enable players from across India to participate.
The tournament concluded with a special message from Mrs. and Mr. N.K. Kalia, parents of the late Captain Saurabh Kalia, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, teams, and players for their participation in the tournament held annually in their son’s honor.
This year’s edition witnessed the participation of 64 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams, marking a significant increase from previous years. The intense final between Skarchan Latoo and Friends Drass exemplified the competitive spirit and community unity fostered by the tournament.
The Captain Saurabh Kalia Cricket Tournament continues to be a beacon of sporting excellence and remembrance, embodying the spirit of tribute and camaraderie cherished by all participants and spectators alike.
