KARGIL : Horker Poyen emerged champions of the Apricot Blossom Cricket Championship after securing a dramatic one-run victory over Friends GK Cricket Club in the final played at Khree Sultan Cho Stadium, Biamathang, on Sunday, bringing the month-long tournament featuring 70 teams from across Kargil district to a close.
Batting first after winning the toss, Horker Poyen posted 239 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Chasing 240 for victory, Friends GK Cricket Club mounted a spirited challenge but fell agonisingly short at 238, handing Horker Poyen the title in one of the closest finishes of the tournament.
Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, who attended the final as Chief Guest, congratulated both teams for their performance and commended Friends Baltistan Hardass for organising the championship. He described sports as an effective instrument for nurturing discipline, leadership, teamwork and physical and mental well-being among young people.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Akhoon said constructive engagement in sports plays an important role in steering youth away from social evils, including drug abuse, while contributing to the development of a healthy and responsible society. Reaffirming the Council’s commitment to sports promotion, he highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen sporting infrastructure across Kargil through the development and upgradation of playgrounds, stadiums and indoor facilities.
As part of the prize distribution ceremony, the CEC announced financial assistance of ₹2.5 lakh for the winning team, ₹2 lakh for the runners-up and ₹2 lakh for the organising committee from his Untied Fund.
Guest of Honour SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav said sports contribute significantly to character building, mental well-being and social harmony. He encouraged young people to participate actively in sporting activities and informed them about upcoming tournaments being organised by Ladakh Police.
Additional District Development Commissioner Kargil, Ghulam Mohammad, who attended as Special Guest, said the championship reflected the growing sporting culture in the district and highlighted the expanding opportunities available to youth through sports.
Councillor Poyen Mohammad Amin announced ₹30,000 for the winning team, while Councillor Kargil Town Mohammad Abbas contributed ₹40,000 for the runners-up. Councillor Chuliskamboo Altaf Hussain announced ₹2 lakh for the organising committee and an additional ₹10,000 for Friends GK Cricket Club.
The championship concluded with the distribution of trophies, cash awards and mementoes to players, organisers, sponsors and volunteers in recognition of their contributions to the successful conduct of the tournament.
