Mega sports event boosts local business, projects Jammu globally
Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Nov 26: As the City of Temples is all set to host T-20 cricket matches under Legends League from tomorrow sparking an unprecedented wave of enthusiasm among the Jammuites for watching their favourite cricket stars in action, the significance of the mega sports event here after more than three decades goes beyond the boundaries of MA Stadium showcasing Jammu as a capable and vibrant host for international level events.
The last time international level cricketers had visited Jammu in late eighties for a scheduled One-Day match between India and New Zealand and since then, no such mega sports event could be scheduled for here because of the eruption of militancy and other reasons.
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The improvement in security situation and development of required infrastructure seem reviving the tradition of hosting international level matches reigniting the passion for cricket among the locals who have eagerly waited since long for the return of star cricketers to their city. Excitement among the cricket enthusiasts for the showdown between the Legends League teams is evident from the fact that tickets for all the matches were sold in advances, mostly online.
However, the significance of hosting these matches is not limited to the delight of cricket enthusiasts only as the scheduled mega event is also giving major fillip to the local economy as well as global projection to Jammu.
As cricket enthusiasts flood the city for watching the matches, local businesses are experiencing an unexpected boost. All premium as well as average hotels are booked to their full capacity for the next five days while those dealing with tour and travels, transport and logistics etc are witnessing a sharp surge in demand.
Similarly, shopping destinations, restaurants, eateries and vendors are also all set to witness a boost in business activities contributing to the economic prosperity of the region.
“Visit of the international level cricket stars for playing matches here will automatically give fillip to business activities in Jammu region and we want more such sports events here,” said Arun Gupta, President of Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Recalling the bygone era when visit of international cricketers was a regular feature in Jammu, Arun Gupta said that hosting of such mega sports events here will benefit Jammu in two ways. Besides giving fillip to local business, it will also promote sports among youth for channelizing their energy towards positive activities, he said and stressed that more playgrounds of international standard should be developed in Jammu.
Besides the influx of visitors bolsters the local economy, hosting of the mega event also sheds light on the untapped potential of Jammu as a tourist and sports destination. All the matches will be telecast live worldwide projecting Jammu globally and signaling that all is well here, said a trader.
Dr Virender Koundal, a Professor of Economics in Jammu University, explained that if we count at least ten percent visitors from other States coming here for matches and staying in Jammu for five days, it will generate around Rs 120 crore businesses for the hotel industry only giving big influx to local GDP. Besides, he further said, staying cricket enthusiasts may go to the shopping destinations and other areas, which further give boost to the economy not only in Jammu city but the entire region.
Pertinent to mention that after August 5, 2019 development, this is the second international level mega event in J&K and first in Jammu. Earlier, G20 Meeting on Tourism was held in Srinagar a few months back when world leaders had assembled here.
According to the insiders, the visiting cricket players are also likely to visit Mata Vaishno Devi shrine for paying obeisance and tour some other places thus highlighting Jammu as tourist and pilgrimage spot.
The scheduled matches hold sentimental value for the older generation, for whom the return of international level cricket is not just a sporting event but a nostalgic journey back in time, evoking cherished memories of packed stadium and roaring cheers.
International cricket stars like Chris Gayle, Kevin Pieterson, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Robin Uttappa, Mohd Kaif and likes of will be seen in action during the T-20 matches, scheduled to be held on November 27, 29, 30 and December 1 at the MA Stadium in Jammu.
“The return of international level cricket to Jammu opens doors for the city to become a regular host for such events, including IPL matches. The successful organization of these matches can pave the way for more international competitions, bringing not only sporting glory but also international recognition to Jammu,” said Rajkumar, a former cricketer who coaches the students at Jammu University grounds.
IGP Jammu, Anand Jain told the Excelsior that adequate security arrangements have been made for peaceful conduct of all the matches and Jammu is fit for hosting such mega events.
According to Yuvraj Kilachand, Co-owner Legends Cricket League, they were thankful to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, the Government agencies, especially the Police Department and the J&K Sports Council for all their help and support. “We are hopeful that the cricket lovers of J&K shall have a great time witnessing our Leagends League Cricket matches and watching their favourite cricketing stars in action. We are grateful for the warm welcome and overwhelming response that we have received from the people of this historic city of Jammu,” he said.
In nutshell, the enthusiasm surrounding the international level cricket matches in Jammu after several decades is a testament to the enduring love for the game in the region. Beyond the boundaries of sport, it signifies the growth and development of Jammu. As the cricketing world turns its attention to this historic event, Jammu stands proud, ready to etch its name in the global sporting arena.
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