Remarkable achievement, inspiration for J&K youth: Deputy CM
JAMMU: Celebrating the historic victory of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Team in the Ranji Trophy 2025–26, the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma today felicitated the players during a function held at M.A Stadium in Jammu.
Congratulating the team for bringing immense pride to J&K, the Deputy Chief Minister described the maiden triumph as a historic milestone in the sporting journey of Jammu and Kashmir. He said the achievement reflects the immense talent, dedication and fighting spirit of the youth of the region.
“This historic victory will serve as a major inspiration for aspiring sportspersons across Jammu and Kashmir. The success of our cricket team proves that with determination and hard work, the youth of the region can achieve excellence at the national level,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.
He also conveyed greetings from the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, who extended his warm wishes to the victorious team and described the achievement as a proud moment for the entire region. The Deputy Chief Minister added that the Chief Minister, himself a keen sports enthusiast, has appreciated the players for their outstanding performance and commitment in bringing national glory to Jammu and Kashmir.
The felicitation ceremony was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council to honour the team for scripting history by winning the prestigious Ranji Trophy.
The function witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of sports lovers, officials and prominent personalities who came together to celebrate the remarkable achievement and congratulate the players for writing a new chapter in the sporting history of Jammu and Kashmir.
Welcoming the victorious team, Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma congratulated the players and coaching staff for their outstanding performance and determination throughout the tournament. He said the historic victory has filled the entire Union Territory with pride and inspiration.
“This victory is not just a cricketing achievement but a moment of pride for the entire Jammu and Kashmir. Our players have demonstrated that with dedication, discipline and the right support, athletes from J&K can excel at the highest level. The government remains committed to strengthening sports infrastructure and creating more opportunities for our youth to showcase their talent,” the Minister said.
The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Vikram Randhawa, MLA Arvind Gupta, MLA Surinder Kumar, former MLC Rattan Lal Gupta, Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, Brigadier Anil Gupta (Retd.), Member Administration, Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, along with other prominent sports personalities.
Jammu and Kashmir’s maiden triumph in the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic first-class cricket championship, marks a historic milestone in the region’s sporting journey. The tournament, one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions in Indian cricket, lies at the heart of the sport in the country. Winning it signifies Jammu and Kashmir’s emergence into the mainstream of Indian cricket after decades of perseverance.
The team’s journey to the title was marked by remarkable performances. After defeating seven-time champions Delhi to enter the knockout stage, Jammu and Kashmir gained strong momentum in the tournament. They went on to defeat former champions Madhya Pradesh in the quarter-finals, followed by an impressive victory over Bengal in the semi-finals.
The felicitation ceremony concluded with applause and celebrations as the players were honoured for bringing the prestigious trophy home, marking the beginning of a new and inspiring era for cricket in Jammu and Kashmir.
