Nissar Malik
Uri 09 Aug:Uri Cricket Premier League was instituted by Uri Brigade in 2010 to promote local talent and strengthen the bond between local Awam, specially the youth. The Eighth Edition of UPL commenced on 17 July 2017, which saw participation of 50 teams with youth from Uri, Nambla, Bijhama, Chulan, Gingle and far flung border areas participating with great zeal and enthusiasm. After closely fought initial league matches, the first semifinal was played between Uri Stars and Nambla Stars and second semifinal was played between Uri A and Gingle A. *Nambla Stars and Gingle A* reached the finals conducted on 09 Aug 2017
Maj Gen R P Kalita SM, VSM, GOC Dagger Division alongwith officials from civil administration of Baramulla district and Uri Tehsil, witnessed the evenly contested and exciting final match alongwith prominent leaders of Uri, Numberdars and Sarpanches and local Awam. The enthusiasm of the people was well evident in the air as the heavy numbers turned up to witness the match and the slogans and celebrations rising for their respective teams. The finalists were felicitated by Maj Gen R P Kalita SM, VSM, wherein cheques were presented to the Winners, Runners Up and Man of the Series. A Rolling trophy was also presented to the Winning Team.
On the culmination of UPL VIII, a cultural program was organised by students of Army Goodwill School, Uri and Jazz band “Sanctrum” who mesmerised the crowd with their enthusiastic performances. Maj Gen R P Kalita SM, VSM, Dagger Division addressing the teams and spectators reaffirmed Army ‘s commitment in supporting local talent and urged the youth to make use of such opportunities to hone their sporting skills and equip themselves to get selected in the state and National teams. He also felicitated the students of Chinar 9 Jawan Club Uri who passed out with flying colours in the first batch of Bakery and tailoring courses. He also felicitated the NCC cadets of Army Goodwill School, Uri for their outstanding performance at various state level camps. The GOC then interacted with the players, civil administrative officials and the local Awam over refreshments.
The players and locals thanked the Army for promoting cricket league. Highlight of the league was the selection of budding local players, who will be sent to Pune for further coaching under internationally acclaimed coaches. Uri -XI will also play against Pune XI and shall meet Indian National cricket players.
