Bandipora, June 21: Rising Stars Bandipora emerged victorious in the Wular T20 Cricket Gold Cup 2026, defeating Kukrusa Knights Handwara in the final played at Putushay Sports Ground on Sunday.
The tournament was organised by the Putushay Cricket Forum in collaboration with the Bandipora Sports Advisory Board under the banner of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. A total of 32 teams participated in the T20 championship, making it one of the major cricketing events in the district.
The final was attended by DySP Headquarters Bandipora Shri Zafar Mehdi as the chief guest. Among the other dignitaries present were DySP Operations Shri Vasu Agarwal, Shri Mushtaq Ahmad Tantray, Director Tantray Constructions, Shri Ghulam Mohiuddin Rather, Ex-DDC Arin, and Brand Ambassador of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Padma Shri awardee Shri Faisal Ali Dar.
In the final clash, Kukrusa Knights Handwara batted first and scored 108 runs, setting a target of 109 for Rising Stars Bandipora. Chasing the total, Rising Stars Bandipora reached the target in 18 overs with four wickets in hand to lift the trophy.
Rising Stars Bandipora were awarded the winners’ trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 50,000, while runners-up Kukrusa Knights Handwara received the runners-up trophy and a cash prize of Rs 30,000. Hilal Bhat was adjudged Player of the Tournament and awarded Rs 5,000 for his outstanding performances throughout the tournament, while Waseem Akram was declared Player of the Match in the final and received a cash prize of Rs 2,000.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Zafar Mehdi raised concerns over the growing menace of drug abuse in Kashmir and highlighted the efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in combating the problem. He urged youth to actively participate in sports and other constructive activities to stay away from drugs and other social evils.
Mehdi also assured that Putushay Sports Ground would be developed and upgraded to facilitate future tournaments and provide better sporting facilities to players. The announcement was welcomed by players and spectators, who appreciated the commitment towards improving sports infrastructure in the area.
Speaking on the occasion, Mushtaq Ahmad Tantray assured full support to youth in promoting sports activities and said he would always be available to encourage and assist young sportspersons whenever required.
The guests appreciated the efforts of the organisers for successfully conducting the tournament and providing a platform for local cricketers to showcase their talent. They said such events play an important role in promoting sportsmanship, nurturing talent and spreading awareness about the importance of a healthy and drug-free lifestyle among youth.
The organisers expressed gratitude to all participating teams, guests, officials and spectators for making the tournament a grand success.
