*Cricketing extravaganza dedicated to RC Tickoo
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 18: All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), an apex organization of Kashmiri Pandits in India and abroad is organizing a cricketing extravaganza namely AIKS Alcobrew Cricket League from November 20 at Parade and Jammu University grounds here.
This was announced by Vice President AIKS, AK Raina while addressing media persons at Press Club, here today.
Mr Raina was accompanied in the press conference by Vijay Kashkari, Convener AIKS J&K, Ramesh Aryan Secretary, Ashinder Koul, former Captain J&K Ranji Trophy and former Chairman of Selection Committee J&K Ranji Trophy team, Rajesh Dhar, Chairman Media Committee Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) and Rajesh Gill, Chief Prosecuting Officer JKP and former Ranji Trophy player.
Mr Raina said that AIKS besides highlighting the problems of Kashmiri Diaspora, in particular of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, has under taken several projects to empower the community, in particular socially and economically.
He further said that conscious of the difficulties being faced by the youth of the community, AIKS is formulating projects for youngsters such and skill development and sports, adding that this Cricket League is one among these projects.
Mr Raina added that for healthier body and mind, sports and games are necessary for youth, especially when drug menace is spreading fast among the future of the nation, adding that team sports are good for learning accountability, dedication and leadership, among many other traits.
Mr Kashkari, while addressing said that the after effects of the mass exodus of the community have put lot of pressure on the youth of the community, adding that to cut down the pressure and stress of the youth, AIKS has taken a decision to organize a mega Cricket League for Pandits in Jammu.
He said 10 teams will be participating in this mega event, including two JKCA affiliated Clubs namely RCC Srinagar and WCC Kashmir and two KP teams from Delhi.
He informed that Prof Amitabh Mattoo, Advisor to Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir will be inaugurating the Tournament as chief guest on November 20 at 12 noon, while IGP Jammu will be the guest of honour and SSP Jammu as the special guest.
Aryan said that the Tournament, which is being held in collaboration with J&K Police Department, is being sponsored by Alcobrew, with MG Reality & MG Estate, HORIZON and Socio Welfare International Society as co-sponsors.
Mr Ashinder Koul while addressing said that pen and cricket are in the genes of Kashmiri Pandits since the times immemorial, adding that pen has served as a beacon light to guide and goad the community even in the grim atmosphere of banishment after the mass exodus in 1990 and cricket has given us the legends like Ram Chand Tickoo, to whom the Tournament is dedicated to.
He said that Late Mr Tickoo has not only been founder of cricket in Jammu and Kashmir, but also constitution maker of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association.
He further said that attractive prizes will be presented to winners and runners-up teams, besides individual prizes.
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