![Commanding Officer of Mendhar Gunners Col. Kapil Bhat being awarded with portrait of late CDS Bipin Rawat at Mendhar on Saturday. Commanding Officer of Mendhar Gunners Col. Kapil Bhat being awarded with portrait of late CDS Bipin Rawat at Mendhar on Saturday.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/page10-6.jpg)
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
RAJOURI, Apr 2: The first edition of General Bipin Rawat Memorial Cricket Tournament, organised by Indian Army in collaboration with Mendhar Cricket Association, concluded at OP Hill Stadium, Mendhar, here today.
The tournament was organised by Mendhar Gunners which started on March 2 and culminated today.
The 32 day sensational cricket tournament extravaganza witnessed the participation of 30 teams, which was conducted on a knockout basis. The first match of the tournament was played between Dream XI and XI Star Gursai and the grand finale was played between Jatt-XI and Star Club wherein Star Club emerged victorious by defeating opponents by 5 runs in a nail biting finish.
Colonel Kapil Bhat, Commanding Officer of Mendhar Gunners was the chief guest. He congratulated the players for their hard-earned success and well-deserved accolades. The Commanding Officer felicitated both the winners and the runners up team with medals and trophies respectively. The event was also witnessed by Balram Sharma, president Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Sarpanches and other civil dignitaries.
The chief guest also conveyed his best wishes to the Mendhar Cricket Association for the successful organisation of the event. He emphasised on the importance of games and sports in human lives and the need to harness the potential in the youth of the present generation. The Commanding Officer also reiterated that the Army and civil administration together can offer a stable platform to the local youth, thus giving them a chance to contribute towards nation building.
Anjum Rafiq, an artist from Mendhar paid a tribute to the late CDS General Bipin Rawat with an instant handmade portrait. He then presented this portrait to the Commanding Officer who appreciated this gesture very much. The prize distribution ceremony was witnessed by many people from the area.
He also informed the audience about the forthcoming Rajouri Day celebrations in the area of Rajouri and briefed about the various events like an online photography competition, talent hunt, painting competition, etc. He requested the people to extend their support and be present for the Rajouri Day celebrations as well.