MUZAFFARABAD: A weeklong ‘Pakistan Zindabad Tape Ball Cricket Tournament’ kicked off here on Monday, featuring over 30 teams from various government departments and non-governmental organisations. The event has been organised by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) chapter of the All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA) to promote unity, love, and sportsmanship, organisers said. The inaugural ceremony at Narul Cricket Stadium was marked by a vibrant display of patriotism, with flags of Pakistan and AJK released into the air tied to colourful balloons. Students from a private school performed a lively tableau to welcome the teams and guests. The opening match, an eight-over contest between Media Eleven and AJK Sports Board Eleven, saw the latter emerge victorious with a dominant performance. Most of their runs came from boundaries struck across all sides of the ground, thrilling the audience. Speaking at the ceremony, Sports, Youth, and Culture SecretaryMohammad Rashid Hanif, the chief guest, highlighted the significance of such events. “Sports in playgrounds are the need of the hour to reduce the over-dependence of people, especially the youth, on their mobile phones,” he said. He maintained that participation in sports led to building character, fostering leadership skills, and enhancing goal-setting abilities. “Sports instil a sense of morality, discipline, responsibility, and mutual confidence in our younger generation,” he remarked. He added that since assuming charge of his department, he had focused on creating new playfields across the state to provide more opportunities for physical activity. “The encouraging part is that Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq is already prioritising the engagement of people, particularly the youth, in healthy activities, with sports being at the forefront.” “He has given me the green light to utilise all available resources to achieve this goal. However, I also appeal to the entire society to join hands with us in these efforts,” Mr Hanif said. The tournament’s chief organizer, Raja Mujeeb Ahmad, an assistant director for IT in the communications and works department, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “The title of the tournament, ‘Pakistan Zindabad,’ conveys the deep affection and unwavering connection of the Kashmiri people with their beloved Pakistan,” he said. Mr Ahmad revealed that 32 teams had already registered for the tournament, with more expressing interest in joining. “The overwhelming response shows how much our people value such healthy competitions in one of the country’s most cherished sports,” he added. Other speakers, who also included APCA leaders, emphasized the role of sports in promoting physical and mental well-being. “Sound health is the second major blessing of the Almighty after faith, and it can be maintained through a balanced diet and regular physical activity, including sports,” one speaker said. They also stressed the importance of accepting victories and defeats with grace. “Sports teach tolerance and acceptance—qualities desperately needed across all segments of our society to advance harmony and understanding,” another speaker maintained. According to Mr Ahmad, thetournament will continue throughout the week, promising more exciting matches and opportunities for camaraderie.