The sixth edition of the Gurez Ice Cricket Premier League concluded on a high note today in the snow-clad valley of Gurez Valley in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, with Chorwan 11 emerging victorious over SMCC Markoot in a thrilling final played on ice. The Final witnessed an overwhelming public response, with approximately 1600 spectators including men, women, and children — gathering to witness the thrilling contest and support their teams in the snow-clad valley with subzero temperatures. Organised by the Indian Army, the annual winter tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from 32 teams representing remote villages of Gurez and Tulail. The event was attended by senior officials from the Army and the Civil Administration, reflecting strong institutional support for the unique sporting initiative.&nbsp;In the summit clash, Chorwan 11 delivered a commanding performance to defeat SMCC Markoot Tulip by 58 runs and lift the coveted trophy. Batting first, Chorwan posted a competitive total of 112 runs, setting a target of 113 for Markoot. In response, Markoot struggled against disciplined bowling and were bowled out for 55 runs in just 13 overs. “I am sincerely grateful to the Indian Army for organising this tournament and giving local players a platform to showcase their talent. Managing the pitch in such heavy snowfall is never easy, but they handled it remarkably well. This event has provided a valuable opportunity for youngsters to display their skills and passion for the game. I hope the tournament continues in the coming years and grows bigger and better with new additions each season.” said Javed Ahmad, Captain Chorwan team.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ayub starred with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets in the final and earning the Man of the Match award. His consistent performance throughout the tournament also secured him the Best Bowler title, finishing with an impressive 18 wickets. ''I was given the Man of the match today and was the best bowler of the finals. &nbsp;I am thankful to the Indian Army for always supporting us and organising this every year, I want Gurez to be put on the International Map, there is a lot of talent in the Village and the Indian Army helps us to promote it every year, ''said Ayub, Man of the Match.&nbsp;Zahid was declared the Best Batsman of the series for scoring 117 runs in the tournament, while Altaf was named Man of the Series for his all-round brilliance, amassing 100 runs and taking 10 wickets.&nbsp;Over the past six years, the Gurez Ice Cricket Premier League has evolved into a much-anticipated annual event. The primary objective of the league is to promote sports and provide constructive engagement for youth in far-flung areas that remain snow-bound and cut off from the rest of the region during the harsh winter months. Despite heavy snowfall and challenging terrain, the tournament has steadily grown in scale and popularity. What began as a local sporting initiative has garnered widespread attention, with visuals of cricket matches played on snow-covered grounds going viral in previous editions and earning praise from cricket enthusiasts around the world.&nbsp;Local residents and players lauded the Army’s efforts, stating that the league not only nurtures sporting talent but also fosters unity, resilience, and a positive community spirit in one of Kashmir’s most remote regions. As the curtains fall on this year’s edition, the Gurez Ice Cricket Premier League stands as a testament to determination, community participation, and the unifying power of sport amid the snow-clad heights of north Kashmir.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Army and the Civil Administration, reflecting strong institutional support for the unique sporting initiative.

The sixth edition of the Gurez Ice Cricket Premier League concluded on a high note today in the snow-clad valley of Gurez Valley in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, with Chorwan 11 emerging victorious over SMCC Markoot in a thrilling final played on ice. The Final witnessed an overwhelming public response, with approximately 1600 spectators including men, women, and children — gathering to witness the thrilling contest and support their teams in the snow-clad valley with subzero temperatures. Organised by the Indian Army, the annual winter tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from 32 teams representing remote villages of Gurez and Tulail. The event was attended by senior officials from the Army and the Civil Administration, reflecting strong institutional support for the unique sporting initiative. In the summit clash, Chorwan 11 delivered a commanding performance to defeat SMCC Markoot Tulip by 58 runs and lift the coveted trophy. Batting first, Chorwan posted a competitive total of 112 runs, setting a target of 113 for Markoot. In response, Markoot struggled against disciplined bowling and were bowled out for 55 runs in just 13 overs. “I am sincerely grateful to the Indian Army for organising this tournament and giving local players a platform to showcase their talent. Managing the pitch in such heavy snowfall is never easy, but they handled it remarkably well. This event has provided a valuable opportunity for youngsters to display their skills and passion for the game. I hope the tournament continues in the coming years and grows bigger and better with new additions each season.” said Javed Ahmad, Captain Chorwan team. Ayub starred with the ball, claiming four crucial wickets in the final and earning the Man of the Match award. His consistent performance throughout the tournament also secured him the Best Bowler title, finishing with an impressive 18 wickets. ''I was given the Man of the match today and was the best bowler of the finals. I am thankful to the Indian Army for always supporting us and organising this every year, I want Gurez to be put on the International Map, there is a lot of talent in the Village and the Indian Army helps us to promote it every year, ''said Ayub, Man of the Match. Zahid was declared the Best Batsman of the series for scoring 117 runs in the tournament, while Altaf was named Man of the Series for his all-round brilliance, amassing 100 runs and taking 10 wickets. Over the past six years, the Gurez Ice Cricket Premier League has evolved into a much-anticipated annual event. The primary objective of the league is to promote sports and provide constructive engagement for youth in far-flung areas that remain snow-bound and cut off from the rest of the region during the harsh winter months. Despite heavy snowfall and challenging terrain, the tournament has steadily grown in scale and popularity. What began as a local sporting initiative has garnered widespread attention, with visuals of cricket matches played on snow-covered grounds going viral in previous editions and earning praise from cricket enthusiasts around the world. Local residents and players lauded the Army’s efforts, stating that the league not only nurtures sporting talent but also fosters unity, resilience, and a positive community spirit in one of Kashmir’s most remote regions. As the curtains fall on this year’s edition, the Gurez Ice Cricket Premier League stands as a testament to determination, community participation, and the unifying power of sport amid the snow-clad heights of north Kashmir.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Army and the Civil Administration, reflecting strong institutional support for the unique sporting initiative.

Chorwan 11 clinch title as 6th Gurez Ice Cricket Premier League concludes amid snowy spectacle in Valley

An eight-year-old girl, Hurmat Irshad from North Kashmir's Sopore area has become an internet sensation overnight. Hurmat's video of playing cricket like an ace cricketer has caught the attention of cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Mithali Raj. Hurmat, a student of class 3 has a dream of joining the Indian Women's Cricket team and playing on the international stage. It was Hurmat's grandfather who used to take her to a nearby playground at the age of 4 to play cricket. She has been watching Mithali Raj's videos and cricket matches and is highly inspired by her.

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Always good to see young girls playing cricket. Watching videos like these brings a smile to my face. <a href="https://t.co/LaQv9ymWRx">https://t.co/LaQv9ymWRx</a>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1774040212957749277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The Cricketing&nbsp;Legend Sachin Tendulkar took to X and said ''Always good to see young girls playing cricket. Watching videos like these brings a smile to my face.''

Former captain of India's women's cricket team Mithali Raj also praised Hurmat for her cricketing skills and said ''Delighted to see this girl's talent, passion, and determination for cricket at such a young age. Keep going strong, Hurmat.''

''I have been playing cricket for the last 3 years, I love playing cricket. I play with boys, and I like it a lot. It was my grandfather who taught me how to play cricket. I have not played with girls but only boys. My video has gone viral, and I want to be a cricketer and make my country proud, '' Hurmat Irshad further said.

Hurmat has been practicing daily for hours and especially working on perfecting her favourite cover drive shot. She has shown immense dedication towards learning the sport. Hurmat's family has been extremely supportive of her playing the sport. They are proud that her efforts have been recognised by cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Mithali Raj. Her School teachers are also proud of her and have decided to give her a one-year scholarship.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/premier-league-mikel-arteta-happy-with-back-up-players-keeping-arsenal-in-title-race-707503">Premier League: Mikel Arteta happy with back-up players keeping Arsenal in title race</a>

''It's a proud moment for the whole Prime Public School and the whole area. We saw her video and we already knew that she is talented. It was after the video we decided that we would do our best to support her for her love towards cricket. We have also decided to give her a one-year scholarship so that she can pursue her dream,'' said her teacher.

The professional cricketers from the valley have lauded the talent of the young girl and said that it also shows how much talent the Kashmir Valley possesses.

An eight-year-old girl, Hurmat Irshad from North Kashmir's Sopore area has become an internet sensation overnight. Hurmat's video of playing cricket like an ace cricketer has caught the attention of cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Mithali Raj.

An eight-year-old girl, Hurmat Irshad from North Kashmir's Sopore area has become an internet sensation overnight. Hurmat's video of playing cricket like an ace cricketer has caught the attention of cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Mithali Raj. Hurmat, a student of class 3 has a dream of joining the Indian Women's Cricket team and playing on the international stage. It was Hurmat's grandfather who used to take her to a nearby playground at the age of 4 to play cricket. She has been watching Mithali Raj's videos and cricket matches and is highly inspired by her. Always good to see young girls playing cricket. Watching videos like these brings a smile to my face. https://t.co/LaQv9ymWRx — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 30, 2024 × The Cricketing Legend Sachin Tendulkar took to X and said ''Always good to see young girls playing cricket. Watching videos like these brings a smile to my face.'' Former captain of India's women's cricket team Mithali Raj also praised Hurmat for her cricketing skills and said ''Delighted to see this girl's talent, passion, and determination for cricket at such a young age. Keep going strong, Hurmat.'' ''I have been playing cricket for the last 3 years, I love playing cricket. I play with boys, and I like it a lot. It was my grandfather who taught me how to play cricket. I have not played with girls but only boys. My video has gone viral, and I want to be a cricketer and make my country proud, '' Hurmat Irshad further said. Hurmat has been practicing daily for hours and especially working on perfecting her favourite cover drive shot. She has shown immense dedication towards learning the sport. Hurmat's family has been extremely supportive of her playing the sport. They are proud that her efforts have been recognised by cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Mithali Raj. Her School teachers are also proud of her and have decided to give her a one-year scholarship. ALSO READ | Premier League: Mikel Arteta happy with back-up players keeping Arsenal in title race ''It's a proud moment for the whole Prime Public School and the whole area. We saw her video and we already knew that she is talented. It was after the video we decided that we would do our best to support her for her love towards cricket. We have also decided to give her a one-year scholarship so that she can pursue her dream,'' said her teacher. The professional cricketers from the valley have lauded the talent of the young girl and said that it also shows how much talent the Kashmir Valley possesses.

Meet Kashmir's young cricket sensation Hurmat Irshad, applauded by Sachin Tendulkar

As covid has wreaked havoc on the minds of everyone, it has affected specially-abled people more. And to overcome the mental pressures, a group of specially-abled people in Kashmir has come out to ease their tensions by holding cricket matches across the Valley.&nbsp;

These specially-abled people have made a group where they are motivating people with special abilities to join and play a sport. They have started with cricket and are being appreciated by everyone.&nbsp;

''There is a lot of stress among people these days and more because of covid. And people with special abilities are more stressed about work and sitting idle at home. Sports is one such thing which will help in reducing the stress level. There is a lot of scope in sports and I want to send across a message to all the people with special abilities to come out of their homes, there will be issues in the beginning but we all need to make such efforts. '' said Danish Ahmad, a sportsman.&nbsp;

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These sports activities are inspiring hundreds of specially-abled to come out of their homes and be a part of these matches. Physical fitness among the specially abled is more important to develop their strengths.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-marnus-labuschagne-thriving-to-be-the-best-316956">EXCLUSIVE | Marnus Labuschagne Interview&nbsp;</a>

''A lot of people are getting inspired by watching us, and I want everyone to come forward and play. Sports are important for everyone. A person remains fit. I want everyone who is stressed, specially-abled or involved in drugs, to come and play sports, it takes away all your tensions. '' said Sheikh Zaid, a sportsperson. &nbsp;

This whole group was brought together by Wasim Feroz, a specially-abled person himself. Wasim put all his efforts to make sure people from every district join and start playing these sports. He dreams of making it into a big club with thousands of specially-abled people.&nbsp;

''I made a WhatsApp group called Unique person group where I added specially-abled people. We started sharing our stories. We all came together as we are all physically challenged and we understand each other better. I was a player myself in the Nationals of Wheelchair basketball team of Jammu and Kashmir. I started talking to people from outside Kashmir who helped me with new ideas. We have been on it since last one year,'' says Wasim Feroz, President Wheelchair Cricket Association.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-icc-world-test-championship-final-details-of-wtc-prize-money-announced-391411" hreflang="en">Cricket: ICC World Test Championship Final - Details of WTC prize money announced</a>

<img alt="SA " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46f1ad5a-cb9c-4411-a376-03a604d36695" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SA-2.JPG" />

These specially-abled players are spending their own money to sponsor these activities. They are hoping that the government will come forward and help them in making it better for people with special abilities.&nbsp;

''We appeal to people with special abilities to come forward and show their talent. We also appeal to the Lt Governor and administration that we want to organise a big tournament in the valley and we have no funds for it. Whatever we have done so far has been on our own. We want them to support us so that we can make it a success,'' said Tariq Ahmad, Organiser.&nbsp;

As covid has wreaked havoc on the minds of everyone, it has affected specially-abled people more. And to overcome the mental pressures, a group of specially-abled people in Kashmir has come out to ease their tensions by holding cricket matches across the Valley.

As covid has wreaked havoc on the minds of everyone, it has affected specially-abled people more. And to overcome the mental pressures, a group of specially-abled people in Kashmir has come out to ease their tensions by holding cricket matches across the Valley. These specially-abled people have made a group where they are motivating people with special abilities to join and play a sport. They have started with cricket and are being appreciated by everyone. ''There is a lot of stress among people these days and more because of covid. And people with special abilities are more stressed about work and sitting idle at home. Sports is one such thing which will help in reducing the stress level. There is a lot of scope in sports and I want to send across a message to all the people with special abilities to come out of their homes, there will be issues in the beginning but we all need to make such efforts. '' said Danish Ahmad, a sportsman. These sports activities are inspiring hundreds of specially-abled to come out of their homes and be a part of these matches. Physical fitness among the specially abled is more important to develop their strengths. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE | Marnus Labuschagne Interview ''A lot of people are getting inspired by watching us, and I want everyone to come forward and play. Sports are important for everyone. A person remains fit. I want everyone who is stressed, specially-abled or involved in drugs, to come and play sports, it takes away all your tensions. '' said Sheikh Zaid, a sportsperson. This whole group was brought together by Wasim Feroz, a specially-abled person himself. Wasim put all his efforts to make sure people from every district join and start playing these sports. He dreams of making it into a big club with thousands of specially-abled people. ''I made a WhatsApp group called Unique person group where I added specially-abled people. We started sharing our stories. We all came together as we are all physically challenged and we understand each other better. I was a player myself in the Nationals of Wheelchair basketball team of Jammu and Kashmir. I started talking to people from outside Kashmir who helped me with new ideas. We have been on it since last one year,'' says Wasim Feroz, President Wheelchair Cricket Association. ALSO READ: Cricket: ICC World Test Championship Final - Details of WTC prize money announced These specially-abled players are spending their own money to sponsor these activities. They are hoping that the government will come forward and help them in making it better for people with special abilities. ''We appeal to people with special abilities to come forward and show their talent. We also appeal to the Lt Governor and administration that we want to organise a big tournament in the valley and we have no funds for it. Whatever we have done so far has been on our own. We want them to support us so that we can make it a success,'' said Tariq Ahmad, Organiser.

Specially-abled hold cricket matches across valley to help relieve stress amid COVID-19

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Chorwan 11 clinch title as 6th Gurez Ice Cricket Premier League concludes amid snowy spectacle in Valley

Meet Kashmir's young cricket sensation Hurmat Irshad, applauded by Sachin Tendulkar

Specially-abled hold cricket matches across valley to help relieve stress amid COVID-19