Says “Govt committed to create opportunities for youth to pursue sports professionally”
Srinagar : Minister for FS&CA, IT, Youth Services and Sports, Science and Technology Satish Sharma and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Tuesday highlighted the importance of providing sustained platforms to young sporting talent and strengthening the sports ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir while attending the opening day of the Greenlam Laminates BIG Premier League 2026 at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar.
The Minister and the Advisor interacted with participating teams and players and appreciated the organisers for bringing together emerging cricketers from across Jammu and Kashmir through the league.
Satish Sharma said that sporting events such as the BIG Premier League provide young people with an important platform to demonstrate their talent, discipline, determination and competitive spirit.
He said that the Government is committed to promoting sports at the grassroots level and creating an enabling environment where talented youngsters can pursue their sporting aspirations and potentially make sports a career.
“Jammu and Kashmir has immense sporting talent, and our responsibility is to provide our youth with the right facilities, opportunities and platforms to realise their potential. Events like the BIG Premier League give young cricketers an opportunity to compete, gain experience and showcase their abilities before a wider audience,” the Minister said.
Satish Sharma congratulated the organisers, participating teams, players and partners for the initiative and expressed hope that the league would inspire more youngsters to take up cricket and other sporting disciplines with dedication and professionalism.
He said that besides promoting competitive sport, such tournaments also contribute towards building discipline, teamwork, leadership qualities and a positive outlook among young people.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani said that the Government attaches considerable importance to encouraging youth participation in sports and providing emerging talent with opportunities to compete at a higher level.
He appreciated the initiative for bringing together the sporting community and said that well-organised leagues provide young players with valuable exposure and experience while also creating greater public interest in sports.
“The talent among our youngsters is immense. What is required is a sustained ecosystem of competition, coaching, exposure and encouragement. Platforms like the BIG Premier League can play an important role in identifying and nurturing promising cricketers,” the Advisor said.
Nasir Aslam congratulated Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council, 92.7 BIG FM, participating teams and all partners for organising the tournament and wished the players and teams success for the competition.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Haseeb Ul Rehman, DIG Traffic Kashmir, representatives of participating teams, tournament partners and members of the organising team.
The opening match of the tournament saw Sultan Warriors Baramulla register a convincing seven-wicket victory over Valley Fresh Cold Chain.
Sultan Warriors Baramulla won the toss and elected to field first. Chasing the target set by Valley Fresh Cold Chain, Sultan Warriors completed the run chase comfortably to begin their tournament campaign on a winning note.
Lakhan Bharti was the star performer for Sultan Warriors, scoring an impressive 72 runs and also claiming a wicket. He was adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round contribution.
The second match of the opening day featured United Imports Srinagar and Royal Goodwill Cricket Club, with United Imports Srinagar winning the toss and electing to field first.
The Greenlam Laminates BIG Premier League 2026 is being organised by 92.7 BIG FM in collaboration with the Jammu &Kashmir Sports Council. Eight teams are participating in the tournament, with the league stage scheduled from September 15 to 20, followed by the quarter-finals on September 21, semi-finals on September 22 and the grand finale on September 23.
The tournament is supported by Greenlam Laminates as Title Partner; Excise Department, J&K as Powered By Partner; J&K Forest Department, Quereshi Kabab Corner and Kanwal Spices as Co-Powered By Partners; J&K Bank as Official Banking Partner; Arsh Autos as Auto Partner; Le Delice as Food Partner; JK Sports Time as Streaming Partner; Rising Kashmir as Print Partner; The Country Side Resorts as Hospitality Partner; and Team Ideation as Event Partner.
