MLA Banihal inaugurates BPL season -11

In a major boost to sports infrastructure in the Banihal-Gool region, MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen on Sunday inaugurated the 11th season of the Banihal Premier League (BPL) at the Sports Stadium Banihal amid an enthusiastic gathering of sports lovers, youth, players and local residents.

The cricket tournament, organised by Danish Farooq Mir and Mohd Asif Wani, as per a statement, witnessed overwhelming participation and excitement among cricket enthusiasts from across the region.

Addressing the gathering, the MLA lauded the organisers for providing a vibrant platform to young talent and promoting the spirit of sportsmanship among the youth. He said sports play a crucial role in channelling the energy of young people towards positive and constructive activities while contributing to the development of a healthy and progressive society.

On the occasion, Sajjad Shaheen announced the construction of a modern Indoor Sports Stadium at Banihal at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore. He also announced the development of changing rooms and spectator seating facilities at the existing Sports Stadium Banihal at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore. He informed that work on both projects will commence shortly and will significantly strengthen sports infrastructure in the constituency.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to promoting sports, the MLA said providing quality infrastructure and opportunities to aspiring athletes remains a priority. He emphasised that improved facilities would enable talented sportspersons from the region to compete successfully at district, state and national levels.

Shaheen further announced that the proposed sports stadiums at Nawan and Sangaldan, along with an indoor sports stadium at Gool, would also be taken up in the near future, providing a major impetus to sporting activities across the Banihal-Gool belt.

The MLA expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport and Sports Satish Sharma for their continuous support and keen interest in strengthening sports infrastructure in the constituency. He said their cooperation and encouragement have been instrumental in making these projects possible and expanding opportunities for local youth.

Urging young people to actively participate in sports, Shaheen said that investment in sports is an investment in the future of society and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a strong sporting culture across the region.

Among those present on the occasion were Munir Bhat, Mukhtiar Sheikh, Manzoor Sheikh, Rashid Rasheed, Mehran Wani and several other party functionaries and local leaders.

The event concluded with the MLA interacting with players and organisers and extending his best wishes for the successful conduct of the tournament.