Suhail Khan
Army in its untiring and unceasing efforts to integrate the local youth with the mainstream and to enhance the sporting culture in the valley, Narwav Cricket Tournament 2018 (20-20 Match) was conducted by Local Rashtriya Rifles (FORMIDABLE 46) of Himalayan Brigade under the aegis of Dagger Division. The one month long grueling tournament witnessed participation of 16 teams from various parts of Narwav Block of Baramulla district which divided into four pools of four teams each. More than 250 youth took part in the competition besides the spectators, conducting and support staff.
Narwav Cricket Tournament was played in four stages namely League, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the grand final from 02 to 24 December 2018. The final was played between *Hiwan Boys Cricket Club* v/s *Zandfaran Cricket Club* on 24 December 2018 at Hiwan Cricket Ground, Hiwan in which *Hiwan Boys Cricket Club* defeated *Zandfarn Cricket Club* by 3 wickets in a nail biting finish on the penultimate ball of the match. The final match witnessed a massive turnout of public from Baramulla district in general and Narwav block in particular , prominent personalities from civil and district administration besides senior Army and Police officers. Speaking on the occasion, Maj Gen GS Rawat, YSM, SM, GOC Dagger Division emphasised on Army's continued efforts towards building bridges with Awam, nurturing sporting culture and identifying young talent among the youth of the valley.
The annual sporting extravaganza provides a huge platform to the young budding sportsman to showcase their talent and to prepare them for their future prospects. Attractive cash awards cricket gear and mementos were presented by GOC, Dagger Division during the closing ceremony of the tournament. The annual sporting extravaganza provided a big platform to the young budding sportsman to showcase their talent and in aiding them for their future prospects in state /corporate cricket. This was the first time when such a huge platform has been provided to the youth of Narwav to showcase their talent. The tournament was a huge success in engaging the youth thus weaning them away from nefarious activities and also in projecting a humane face of the Army.The function ended with distribution of biryani to the entire audience.
