Prime Minister Modi calls Winter Games and snow cricket in Kashmir ‘an extension of the Khelo India movement’

In his first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of the year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke about snow cricket matches at the Winter Games in Kashmir and called it an “extension of the Khelo India movement”
During the 97th edition of his monthly radio address, Prime Minister Modi also urged visitors to attend such events whenever they plan a trip to Kashmir.

“Winter Games were held in Syedabad, Kashmir. The theme of these Games was – Snow Cricket! You might think Snow Cricket would be a very exciting game – and you are absolutely right. more amazing in the snow.

“Through this, there is also a search for young players in Kashmir, who will later play in the Indian team. In a way, it is also an extension of the Khelo India movement. In Kashmir, there is a lot of enthusiasm among the young people regarding the sport. In the times to come, many of these young people will win medals for the country and raise the tricolor. I would suggest that next time you are planning a trip to Kashmir, take time to visit such events. These experiences will make your trip even more memorable,” Modi said.
Jammu and Kashmir has been producing some really exciting cricketing talent lately. One of the brightest emerging talents here is rhythm sensation Umran Malik. The 23-year-old is also known as ‘Jammu Express’.

Umran has been acclaimed across the globe following his exploits in the 2022 Indian Premier League which saw him claim 22 wickets in 14 matches with bowling best figures of 5/25. Legendary point guards Dale Steyn (also the bowling coach of Umran Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL team) and Brett Lee are among the powerhouse figures in the sport who were impressed by Umran’s blistering pace which allowed him to to easily cross the 150 mark in bowling.

He represented India in eight ODI matches, in which he won 13 wickets with the best bowling figures of 3/57. Umran also played in seven T20I matches for India in which he won nine wickets with the best bowling figures of 3/48. His wicket-taking ability and knack for disrupting a batter’s footwork with his pace made him an exciting talent to watch.

Umran is currently part of India’s T20I squad for the ongoing series against New Zealand. The second T20I will be played in Ranchi on Sunday.