Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team for scripting history with their first-ever Ranji Trophy triumph, describing the victory as a testament to the team’s grit, discipline and passion.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Congratulations to the Jammu and Kashmir team for their first-ever Ranji Trophy win! This historic triumph reflects the remarkable grit, discipline and passion of the team. It is a proud moment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and it highlights the growing sporting passion and talent there. May this feat inspire many young athletes to dream big and play more.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also congratulated the J&K team.
In a post on X, HM Shah said, “On Jammu and Kashmir winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time ever, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every youth of the region and especially to Team J&K that scripted this history. It is a moment that fills every citizen with immense pride and mirrors the reality that the new changes that have swept Jammu and Kashmir are the new identity of its youth. The mantras of peace, progress, and prosperity are the driving force of the New Jammu and Kashmir.”
Jammu and Kashmir ended a 67-year wait for the coveted domestic title by defeating eight-time champions Karnataka cricket team in the final at Hubballi. Playing their maiden Ranji Trophy final, J&K secured the championship on the basis of a massive 291-run first-innings lead, which proved decisive after the five-day match ended in a draw.
Opting to bat first, J&K piled up an imposing 584 runs, powered by Shubham Pundir’s superb century (121). In reply, Karnataka were bowled out for 293, thanks to a devastating five-wicket haul by pacer Auqib Nabi, giving J&K a commanding first-innings advantage. Despite a fighting 160 by Mayank Agarwal, Karnataka could not overturn the deficit. Centuries from Qamran Iqbal and Sahil Lotra in the second innings further extended J&K’s dominance, pushing their overall lead to 633 before the match concluded on Day 5.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was present in Hubballi to witness the historic moment, termed the victory a watershed moment for cricket in the Union Territory. He announced a cash reward of ₹2 crore for the players and support staff and offered government jobs to team members under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons.
“The players will also be entitled to government appointments under the recently notified rules for outstanding sportspersons,” Abdullah said in a post on X, praising the team’s emphatic performance on Karnataka’s home turf.
The landmark victory sparked celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir, with jubilant scenes reported from several districts as youth and cricket enthusiasts hailed the team’s achievement.
With this fairytale triumph, Jammu and Kashmir have not only etched their name in domestic cricket history but also ignited fresh hope and inspiration among aspiring sportspersons across the region.
(With agency inputs)
