Army on sporting mission
Shariq Majeed
Tribune News Service

Rajouri, May 29
Faced with the allegations of human rights violations, the Indian Army with a view to improve its image, is organising sports events to win over people.

In fact, Army units posted in various far-flung areas in Rajouri and Poonch have been organising various sports activities ranging from cricket tournaments to “Kushti” to win over the masses.

Besides holding sports competitions, the Army units are also organising various cultural events.

Defence sources said since people had a passion for cricket, the Army units organised cricket tournaments.

“It serves the dual purpose. Apart from attracting huge crowds, it also brings a sense of competitiveness. It also helps in channelising talent of the local youth in the right direction and prevent them from going haywire”, defence sources said.

“We, with the active cooperation of the local youth, organise sports tournaments. These events add to our image among the local masses”, said a senior Army official whose unit organises sports event on a regular basis in the Darhal area.

“We recently organised a month-long cricket tournament which was highly appreciated by the people. Nine teams from the area participated in the event”.

“By organising cricket tournaments, the Army is promoting local talent. They should also guide this budding talent as how to make it big at the national-level”, said Muhammad Ali, a local cricketer.

Lt-Col S.D. Goswami, Jammu-based defence spokesperson (9, 16 Corps), said, “Organising sports events helps to to better the Army’s image.”