Kargil, Sept 17: Cricketing fervour gripped the Shingo Valley as Sheena King XI emerged champions of the Captain Vikram Batra Cricket Tournament, lifting the trophy after an intense finale at the Saurabh Kalia Cricket Ground, Kaksar. The winners walked away with a cash award of seventy-five thousand rupees, marking a glorious culmination to a contest that blended sporting excellence with heartfelt tribute.
Organised by the Kargil Sentinels Brigade under the aegis of Op Sadbhavana, the tournament paid homage to Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra, immortalised as the ‘Sher Shah’ of Operation Vijay. His fearless leadership during the battle for Point 4875, now revered as Batra Top, remains etched in the nation’s memory as the epitome of courage and sacrifice.
The competition, inaugurated on August 30 this year, coincided with the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas and drew the participation of 21 spirited teams from across the region. Over two weeks, the scenic venue at 9,500 feet became a theatre of raw talent, uniting youth under the banner of sportsmanship and resilience. With the Deosai ranges forming a majestic backdrop, the matches turned into a spectacle for locals who thronged the ground to cheer their favourites.
Captain Vikram Batra’s passion for sports and his enduring spirit of determination inspired the Army and the community to establish this annual event in Kaksar. The initiative seeks to nurture young talent, offering them a platform to hone their skills while keeping alive the legacy of a warrior who never yielded.
The grand finale on September 17 was graced by senior Army officials, civil administration representatives and local leaders, who lauded the endeavour for blending commemoration with youth development. The roar of victory for Sheena King XI echoed not just as a triumph on the field, but as a reminder that the spirit of ‘Sher Shah’ continues to ignite the hearts of Kargil’s younger generation.
