- L B Shastri Delhi trounces Sabi CC Hoshiarpur in opening tie
STATE TIMES NEWS
KATHUA: The 13th Police Martyr’s Memorial T-20 Cricket Championship 2024-25 was officially inaugurated on Wednesday at the Sports Stadium, Kathua by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu Zone, Anand Jain.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including DIG Jammu-Srinagar-Kathua Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma, and SSP Kathua, Shobhit Saksena.
During his inaugural address, ADGP Anand Jain paid rich tributes to the Police Martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, emphasizing that Jammu and Kashmir Police will never forget their sacrifices.
He further stated that the police will continue to promote sports to channel the energy of youth in positive directions, away from drugs and other social evils, while also encouraging them to consider sports as a viable career.
Anand Jain also congratulated the District Police Kathua and the Shaheed Welfare Committee for organizing this prestigious event.
He noted that a total of 16 teams are participating in the championship, which will be played on a league basis up to the quarter-finals, followed by knockout rounds.
The Kathua Police and Shaheed Welfare Committee encouraged the local community to witness the event and support the participants.
SSP Kathua, Shobhit Saksena, welcomed the dignitaries and spectators, making the inaugural ceremony a grand event.
He also briefed the audience on the championship’s journey since its inception in 2010.
The Chairman of the Shaheed Welfare Committee expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest, the Kathua Police, and the sponsors for their unwavering support in organizing the event.
The inauguration was attended by several prominent figures, including Rakesh Minhas (DC Kathua), Manjit Kour (Principal PTS Kathua), Nasir Khan (SP Ops Kathua Kandi), Rahul Charak (Addl. SP Kathua), DySP DAR Kathua Subash Chander, Manjeet Singh (DySP Hqrs Kathua), DySP PC Kathua Tilak Raj Bhardwaj, as well as retired police officers, families of police martyrs, local dignitaries, and sponsors. The Sports Stadium, Kathua witnessed a large turnout of enthusiastic spectators, including youth and locals, who gathered to celebrate the opening of the championship.
Opening match began today with a thrilling contest between Sabi Cricket Club (CC) Hoshiarpur and L B Shastri Delhi at the Sports Stadium, Kathua.
Sabi CC Hoshiarpur won the toss and chose to bat first, scoring 97 runs in 20 overs. However, L B Shastri Delhi team chased down the target effortlessly in 16.1 overs, winning by eight wickets.
The standout performer of the match was Vikas Dixit of L B Shastri Delhi, who was declared Man of the Match. He scored 26 runs off 32 balls and took three crucial wickets for just 13 runs in 4 overs.
Sumit Chikara of Sabi CC Hoshiarpur was the top scorer for his team, with 41 runs off 47 balls, including six boundaries. The match was an exciting start to the championship, and the spectators were treated to some brilliant cricketing action.
The tournament promises more thrilling matches as it progresses, with cricket enthusiasts eagerly looking forward to the next round of games.