Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the Jammu & Kashmir cricket team for winning their first-ever Ranji Trophy title, describing the achievement as a historic milestone for the region’s sports community.
Speaking during his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister said March had been an exciting and memorable month for cricket lovers across the country. He noted that India’s T20 World Cup triumph had already filled the nation with pride, and the Ranji Trophy victory by Jammu & Kashmir added further joy for sports fans.
Modi highlighted that the Jammu & Kashmir team secured the prestigious title after nearly seven decades of waiting, calling it the result of years of dedication and continuous hard work by the players.
He specially praised team captain Paras Dogra for his exceptional leadership and performance, stating that his guidance played a crucial role in achieving the historic win during the thrilling final held in Hubballi, Karnataka.
The Prime Minister also applauded young Kashmiri bowler Aqib Nabi, who took an impressive 60 wickets during the Ranji season, earning nationwide recognition for his outstanding performance.
According to Modi, the victory has generated immense enthusiasm among the people of Jammu & Kashmir and has inspired young athletes to actively pursue sports. He emphasized that the region has always had a strong passion for sports and is now emerging as a major hub for sporting events.
He added that Gulmarg has already established itself as a venue for the Khelo India Winter Games, while sports like football are gaining significant popularity among the youth of the region.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that the winning momentum of Jammu & Kashmir’s athletes would continue in the future and motivate more young players to excel at national and international levels.
