SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 05: In a first of its kind sporting event in Srinagar, Downtown XI which comprised cricketers from across the Old Srinagar City Wednesday defeated the Srinagar Administration XI comprising officers from different departments of the district in a T20 cricket match held at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Ground here.
The cricket match, which ended with the Downtown XI winning resoundingly with 82 runs after putting up an impressive 164/6 batting first, was organized by the Youth Services & Sports Department Kashmir in collaboration with the Srinagar district administration.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, who had conceived the idea of this friendly cricketing contest between officers and youngsters, also partook in the match choosing to play for Downtown XI instead of the team representing the district administration.
Administration XI which was led by SSP Srinagar Imtiaz Ismail was bowled all out for just 82 runs of 16.1 overs.
Dr Shah speaking at the end of the match said the aim of the sporting event was to motivate and encourage the youth of the district to play and consider sports as a career path. He said the district administration is keen to help in all means possible to encourage sports and support sportspersons in the district.
The event also saw distribution of sporting kits among five cricket clubs of the district and cricket mats to the Gani Memorial and Islamia College grounds in the old city.
Joint Director Youth Services and Sports Kashmir Bashir Ahmad felicitated the participants on the occasion.