News DeskSharjah, UAE – The 45-day Chinar Sports Festival, aimed at raising awareness about climate change and a beacon of unity for the divided Kashmiri community residing in the United Arab Emirates, concluded with fervor and enthusiasm.
Despite the chilly weather, the festival witnessed heated sports competitions, culminating in the thrilling final of the Chinar Super League Season 6, where Afzal Basira clinched victory over Rajgan Cricket Club by a margin of 26 runs.
Former Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Raja Farooq Haider, graced the event as a special guest, adding prestige to the occasion. Ahmed, representing Afzal Basira, proudly lifted the championship trophy, while the owner of Rajgan CC accepted the runners-up prize. Sarmid Hameed shone in the final, earning the title of Man of the Match and the tournament’s best batsman, while Umar Gujjar’s stellar performance earned him both the Player of the Tournament and the best bowler awards.
A staggering crowd of 5,000 Kashmiris braved the cold to witness the thrilling final, underscoring the significance of sports in fostering community spirit. Raja Farooq Haider, in his address at the closing ceremony, reminisced about the cold winds of Muzaffarabad, invoking memories of his cricketing triumphs in his homeland.
Expressing his vision for peace and harmony, Raja Farooq Haider emphasized the potential of cricket in bridging divides, proposing matches between teams representing various regions of Kashmir. He commended the organizers of the Chinar Sports Festival for promoting friendly relations through sports and raising awareness about climate change.
Chairman of the Chinar Sports Festival, Raja Asad Khalid, Regarding the connection between the Chinar Sports Festival and climate change, emphasized the recent global environmental conference held in Dubai, UAE, aimed at raising awareness of climate change. In response, the Chinar Sports Festival launched the “Save Chinar, Plant Trees” campaign, aligning with the UAE’s vision and aiming to spread awareness among the Kashmiri community about the UAE’s leadership and its environmental initiatives.
Raja Asad Khalid pledged to continue promoting public friendship and welfare, inspired by the UAE’s founding leaders, Sheikh Zayed bin Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum. He also praised the leadership of Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Furthermore, Khalid highlighted the significant role played by trees and flowers planted in the UAE in mitigating the effects of climate change, noting the noticeable weather changes witnessed in the Emirates in recent years.
President of Pak Chinar Wing, Raja Amjad Kabir, reiterated the role of cricket as a diplomatic tool, emphasizing its potential in uniting Kashmiris. He extended gratitude to sponsors, media, and cricket enthusiasts for their support in making the event a resounding success.
The official song of the Chinar Super League, ‘Chinaroon ke des se uthi avaz hai,’ penned and composed by Shehzad Rathore, resonated across borders, symbolizing the unity and cultural richness of Kashmir.
The meticulous efforts of the management team, led by Chairman Raja Asad Khalid and President Pak Chinar Wing Amjad Kabir, were pivotal in ensuring the festival’s success. The invaluable support of sponsors and the unwavering dedication of the Kashmiri community in the UAE were instrumental in organizing this memorable event.
Notable personalities from Pakistan, including former ministers and media personalities, graced the occasion, underscoring the festival’s significance on an international scale.
The Chinar Sports Festival not only celebrated the spirit of sportsmanship but also served as a platform for fostering unity, promoting diplomacy, and advocating environmental consciousness, leaving an indelible mark on the global Kashmiri community.
