Jammu :Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday inaugurated the 22nd All India Vice-Chancellor’s T20 Cricket Tournament 2026 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu), bringing together 24 university employees’ teams from across the country.
The tournament, being hosted at the university’s Chatha campus from November 13 to 23, features six teams from Jammu and Kashmir and 18 from other states.
Addressing the inaugural gathering, the Chief Minister said the tournament provided an important platform for university employees to showcase their sporting talent and strengthen professional relationships beyond their routine academic and administrative responsibilities.
He observed that universities were built not only by students and faculty but also by employees who work behind the scenes to strengthen institutional functioning.
Emphasising the broader purpose of the sporting event, Omar Abdullah said the friendships and bonds forged beyond the cricket field were more important than winning a trophy.
“While teams will compete against each other on the field, the real achievement will be the friendships and bonds they establish during their stay in Jammu,” he said.
The Chief Minister urged participants to accept victory and defeat with equal grace, observing that success and failure were temporary, while the memories and relationships created through sports endured.
He also referred to Jammu and Kashmir’s recent sporting achievements, including winning the Ranji Trophy last year, to underline the importance of competition and changing fortunes in sports.
Welcoming the participating teams, he invited them to explore Jammu’s cultural and historical attractions, including the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and Border Tourism facilities along the International Border. He also encouraged visitors to experience the region’s hospitality and Dogra cuisine.
Earlier, the Chief Minister conducted the toss between the host SKUAST-Jammu team and KavayitriBahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon, and interacted with players.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Agriculture Production, Finance, Mining and Cooperatives Minister Javid Ahmad Dar; Minister for Planning, Development and Monitoring, Culture, Youth Services and Sports, and ARI and Trainings Mir Saifullah; and SKUAST-Jammu Vice-Chancellor Prof. B.N. Tripathi.
A ceremonial parade by participating university teams, lighting of the tournament torch and a cultural presentation by the Madras Regiment were among the highlights of the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. B.N. Tripathi said hosting the 22nd edition of the tournament was a matter of pride for the university and Jammu and Kashmir. He said the event would promote physical fitness, teamwork and inter-university cooperation.
The tournament will continue until November 23, with participating teams competing in a series of T20 matches.
