Indian Army Hosts 5th Snow Cricket Championship in Gurez Valley, Fostering Sports and Unity
Gurez Valley, March 2, 2025 – The Indian Army concluded the 5th edition of the Snow Cricket Championship in the picturesque Gurez Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, an 11-day spectacle that brought together local talent, community spirit, and a celebration of winter sports. Held at the Habba Khatoon Cricket Ground in Dawar, the tournament saw HKCC Dawar emerge as champions, capping off a thrilling finale that underscored the Army’s efforts to promote unity and recreation in this remote, snow-laden region.
Organized by the Dawar Battalion under the Snow Leopard Brigade, the championship ran from February 19 to March 1, 2025, featuring 16 teams from across Gurez and Tulail Valley. The final match pitted HKCC Dawar against MCC Markoot, with HKCC Dawar clinching victory by eight wickets in a display of skill and resilience on the icy pitch. Hundreds of spectators—men, women, and children—braved the cold to cheer, joined by dignitaries including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Gurez, Judge Munsif Gurez, and members of the local Bar Association.
The tournament, now an annual tradition in its fifth year, transforms the harsh winter isolation of Gurez Valley into a vibrant sporting arena. Located near the Line of Control in Bandipora district, Gurez is often cut off from the rest of Kashmir for months due to heavy snowfall. The Indian Army’s initiative not only provides entertainment but also aims to nurture local talent and boost winter tourism in an area with untapped potential. “This is more than a game—it’s about bringing people together and showcasing what Gurez can offer,” said a senior Army official involved in the event.
The championship’s success highlighted the enthusiasm of the region’s youth, who see such events as a platform to shine. “We’re grateful to the Indian Army for giving us this opportunity. It keeps us active and puts Gurez on the map,” said Zahid Ahmad, a local participant. The winning team, HKCC Dawar, received a cash prize of Rs 25,000, while individual accolades went to standout players like Parvez Shrikh, named Best Bowler with 10 wickets, and Parvez Ahmed, who scored 106 runs across the tournament.
Beyond the boundary, the event fostered camaraderie between the Army and civilians, a bond often tested by the region’s challenging terrain and history. “The Indian Army has turned snow into a source of joy for us,” remarked Zakir Hussain, a spectator from Dawar. “If the government supports these efforts, Gurez could rival places like Gulmarg as a winter sports destination.”
The 5th Snow Cricket Championship builds on a legacy of similar Army-led initiatives in Gurez, including snow art programs and skiing workshops, all aimed at engaging the community and promoting the valley’s unique winter appeal. With its snow-clad mountains and vast open spaces, Gurez has long been touted as a potential hub for adventure tourism—a vision the Army’s efforts are steadily bringing to life.
As the final cheers echoed across the frozen ground, the message was clear: in Gurez, cricket is more than a sport—it’s a bridge to opportunity, unity, and hope amidst the winter chill.