Meet Hudpora’s Trio Channeling Youth Energy into Sports, Bringing Joy and Purpose to the Community
Suhail Khan
Baramulla, Sep 13: Amid growing concerns over the drug menace and other social ills, initiatives to promote sports in Kashmir are offering a promising alternative, providing the youth with a constructive path toward a more secure future.
As night sports activities gain momentum across Kashmir, a trio in a north Kashmir village is channeling the energy of the youth towards sports, providing a source of joy and community entertainment during the evening hours.
For local residents in Hudpora village of Baramulla, this cricket under floodlights has become a source of joy, happiness, and something to cheer for and cherish.
Adil Ahmad, a local resident, told The Varmul Post/The Web Story, “It’s really great to see the efforts towards promoting sports activities among the younger generation in our village. We are leaving no stone unturned in supporting these players, who are coming from different villages across the Baramulla district.”
He said that after finishing their daily work, people gather to enjoy the night games. The whole village is wholeheartedly supporting the young athletes, doing everything it can to encourage them on the field.
Ghulam Hassan, a senior citizen of the village, said, “People used to go to sleep early as most inhabitants are associated with agriculture here. But ever since this under-lights cricket tournament began in Hudpora, not only our entire village but also people from nearby villages come to watch the matches.”
He stated that the organizing body deserves a round of applause for their efforts to not only promote sports but also to provide entertainment for the villagers. He further emphasized that such sports activities should be promoted on a larger scale so that younger generations involved in negative activities can get back on track for a bright future.
Saja Bashir, a legendary cricketer from Hudpora village, said that sports have always been a means of securing a better future for generations, in addition to promoting fitness and better health. He said that whether it’s cricket, football, or any other sport, more and more youth should participate for their physical and mental well-being.
He said that sports can play an important role in helping society grow successfully, and it is everyone’s responsibility to do their part in promoting more sports activities.
The brains behind this under-lights cricket initiative in Hudpora village—Bilal Ahmad Dar, Muzaffar Hussain Dar, and Zahoor Ahmad Wani—term this initiative a way to secure the future of the younger generation while promoting sports.
Zahoor, one of the organizer, said, “We have all witnessed the negative practices plaguing our youth after dark. This under-floodlights cricket league is a direct intervention. It provides quality entertainment and a positive outlet, offering a compelling alternative to drugs and giving our entire village a reason to rally together for a healthier future.”
He added that here, youth find not just a playing field, but a purpose fans find not just entertainment, but a way to participate in a positive movement. “This is about replacing destructive habits with joyful cheers and offering a compelling reason to choose a brighter path,” he added.
Around 32 teams from across the district are competing under the floodlights in Hudpora village.
Ashiq Mir, who leads Media 11 cricket team, recently played in an under-floodlights cricket league in Hudpora praised the organizers for providing an excellent platform for both local cricketers and the villagers.
Speaking to The Web Story/The Varmul Post, Ashiq stated that although Media 11 has played numerous matches over the last two years, the experience of playing under floodlights was unique. He emphasized that the support and cheers from the crowd created an feeling that was on a completely different level.
He also remarked that it is highly encouraging to see sports being promoted at such a grassroots level. He added, “With this enthusiasm, I am very confident that others will undoubtedly be inspired to follow.”
Junaid Bhat, who won the Man of the Match award for Media 11, shared his views on the night cricket tournament, describing it as a major initiative that is effectively boosting young people’s interest in sports.
Junaid said it is wonderful to see the community’s love for the event, noting that players from different villages are having an amazing experience competing under the floodlights.
Notably, these under-floodlight cricket games are flipping the script: the same night hours that were once a time for worry are now alive with the sound of sport and community.
