Srinagar, November 12, 2024 – In celebration of the 19th Foundation Day of the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) and the 4.0 National Industry-Academia Conclave, GR8 Sports India Pvt. Ltd. launched a green initiative titled “We Plant a Tree for Every 3 Bats We Sell.” This plantation drive took place at the IUST campus and was inaugurated by Shri Balbir Singh, Northern Head of SIDBI, with the support of CIED-IUST Foundation’s Director Dr. Parvez Ahmad Mir and GR8 Sports founders Fawzul-Kabiir and Mohammad Niaz ul Kabir.
On this significant occasion, GR8 Sports received the “Best Performing Global Startup” award, presented by Chief Guest Ms. Sakina Itoo, Minister of Education, and Guest of Honour Jenab Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister. This recognition underscores the importance of the cricket bat industry to the region’s economy.
Recently, GR8 Sports and the CIED-IUST Foundation collaborated to plant six trees for every six scored during the Kashmir chapter of the Legends League Cricket tournament. These initiatives aim to protect Kashmir’s valuable willow resources, which are essential to the cricket bat manufacturing industry. This sector supports around 150,000 people across 400 factories in Jammu & Kashmir and is facing alarming depletion due to the loss of Kashmir willow trees.
“Our collaboration with the CIED-IUST Foundation is more than just a green initiative; it’s a pledge to support and sustain an industry that defines Kashmir’s identity and economy,” said the Kabiir Brothers, Founders of GR8 Sports India Pvt. Ltd. “This drive emphasizes our shared responsibility to preserve our natural resources, which are the backbone of cricket bat manufacturing. By planting trees, we are nurturing the environment and securing the future for countless families who rely on this industry.”
The award and recognition received by GR8 Sports highlight the startup’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. As the cricket bat industry faces the threat of depleting raw materials, GR8 Sports aims to create awareness and inspire action through this plantation initiative. Their efforts also underscore the industry’s reliance on various other sectors across India that supply essential materials like cane, rubber, stickers, and thread.
The “We Plant a Tree for Every 3 Bats We Sell” campaign reflects GR8 Sports India’s commitment to sustainability, ensuring the future of Kashmir’s largest manufacturing sector while contributing to environmental preservation.
