NEW DELHI, MAR 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Jammu & Kashmir’s rise as a sports powerhouse Sunday, congratulating its cricket team on their first-ever Ranji Trophy win during the 132nd ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
In the Hubballi final last month, Paras Dogra’s side defeated Karnataka after a 70-year wait. “A highly intriguing contest unfolded in Hubballi, where J&K claimed the Ranji Trophy—their maiden title,” PM Modi said.
He spotlighted pacer Aqib Nabi’s 60 wickets this season, now a national talking point. The victory sparked massive celebrations across the Union Territory.
“J&K has always shown extraordinary passion for sports and is emerging as a hub for major events,” Modi added, citing the Khelo India Winter Games 2026. Phase one ran January 20-26 in Ladakh with 900+ athletes from 25 states/UTs across six disciplines in Gulmarg and Leh; phase two closed February 26 in Gulmarg.
“Gulmarg has carved a distinct identity for Khelo India Winter Games; football thrives among youth too,” he noted.
