Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Jammu and Kashmir for scripting new milestones in the field of sports, despite facing challenges such as floods and heavy rains.
PM Modi highlighted Pulwama’s first-ever day-night cricket tournament and Srinagar’s historic water sports festival at Dal Lake as shining examples of the region’s growing enthusiasm for athletics.
Delivering the 125th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said the Royal Premier League (RPL) and the country’s first Khelo India Water Sports Festival had brought Kashmir into the national sporting spotlight.
“Thousands of people, especially the youth, enjoying cricket under floodlights in Pulwama — it was a sight to behold,” Modi said, praising the unprecedented response to the tournament.
The RPL, inaugurated earlier this week at the Sports Stadium Pulwama, drew massive crowds with its opening match played under lights for the very first time in South Kashmir.
Local residents described the moment as “historic” and “festive,” with the stadium reverberating with cheers as teams took the field.
Meanwhile, PM Modi also appreciated the water sports festival at Dal Lake, where over 800 athletes from across the country — with nearly equal participation from men and women — competed in different events. Madhya Pradesh topped the medal tally, followed by Haryana and Odisha.
The Royal Premier League, featuring around two dozen teams, will continue for several weeks, with the grand finale also scheduled to be played under lights.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah thanked PM Modi for highlighting the keen interest the boys and girls of J&K have for all sports.
In a post on X, CM Omar wrote, “Thank you for highlighting the keen interest the boys & girls of J&K have for all sports @narendramodi ji. The youth of J&K don’t lack for talent or enthusiasm, unfortunately they lack opportunity & exposure. Your mention of their sporting prowess will certainly add to their enthusiasm. I hope corporate India will also play its part by using their CSR funds to help develop sports infrastructure in J&K.”
