New Delhi, March 29 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Jammu and Kashmir's vibrant zeal for sports during a recent address. He commended the historic achievements of J&K in the Ranji Trophy, asserting that this milestone has sparked a significant surge of sporting enthusiasm among the youth in the region.

Last month, Jammu & Kashmir made history by clinching the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final, defeating the eight-time champions Karnataka with a substantial first-innings lead. This victory marks their first title in 67 years of participation in India's premier domestic cricket tournament.

In the 132nd episode of his monthly radio show Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister remarked, "This month has been filled with excitement and joy for cricket enthusiasts nationwide. The historic win of India in the T20 World Cup brought immense joy to the nation, and we take pride in our team's remarkable achievements."

"Late last month, an exhilarating match unfolded in Hubli, Karnataka, where the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team emerged victorious, securing the Ranji Trophy title. It is heartening to see them achieve this milestone after such a long wait of nearly seven decades," he continued.

He added, "This extraordinary triumph is the fruit of years of relentless dedication by the players. Team captain Paras Dogra showcased exceptional skills and played a crucial role in this success. The remarkable performance of young Kashmiri bowler Aaqib Nabi, who took 60 wickets during the Ranji Trophy, has garnered national attention. This victory has not only thrilled the players and coaching staff but also the people of Jammu and Kashmir."

"Such impressive achievements on the cricket field have further amplified the enthusiasm for sports among the youth there, inspiring many to pursue athletic endeavors in the future," he stated.

"The people of Jammu and Kashmir possess a profound passion for sports, and I'm pleased to see the region becoming a hub for major sporting events. Gulmarg is already recognized as the host of the Khelo India Winter Games, and sports like football are gaining immense popularity among the youth. I hope this winning momentum for Jammu and Kashmir's sportspeople continues for years to come," he expressed.

PM Modi also commended star distance runner Gulveer Singh for breaking the national men's half-marathon record by finishing in 59:42 at the New York City Half Marathon. "Gulveer Singh, a gifted athlete from Uttar Pradesh, made history by finishing third in this prestigious event, becoming the first Indian to complete a half marathon in under an hour," he shared.

Additionally, he praised squash prodigy Anahat Singh, who recently secured her first PSA Bronze-level title in Washington, making her the youngest Asian female player to enter the top 20 in world rankings. "At just 17 years old, Anahat achieved this milestone by winning a significant international title during the Squash on Fire Open. I also learned about the Asmita Athletics League," PM Modi remarked.

He expressed pride in the role of women in this sporting transformation, noting that numerous sporting events were held on Women’s Day on March 8, with around 200,000 daughters participating. "It’s inspiring to see the women of India playing a vital role in this sporting evolution occurring in our country," he said.

Furthermore, PM Modi reminded everyone about the importance of fitness, announcing that the International Day of Yoga is approaching in less than 100 days. He highlighted the growing global popularity of yoga and lauded Almis Ji for promoting it through the Arvind Yoga Centre in Djibouti, Africa, extending its influence across the continent.

"I consistently advocate for everyone to prioritize their fitness. As we approach the International Yoga Day, the interest in yoga continues to rise globally. Almis Ji is actively promoting yoga across various locations in Djibouti," he concluded.