A month-long 18th Kargil War Heroes T-20 cricket tournament kickstarts in Leh at NDS Stadium on March 18.

As many as forty different cricket teams representing a different region of Ladakh participating in the tournament organized by Sports and Culture Welfare Society Chuchot.  

The tournament was formally inaugurated by Councilor Chuchot, Mirza Hussain. 

Mirza Hussain in his inaugural speech appreciated the organizer for providing such a platform to the budding player to explore their hidden talent in cricket. He said that the youths of Ladakh possess enough potential to shine at National and International levels.  

Assuring his best possible help to conduct various sporting activities, Mirza said that sport not only helps in keeping one healthy but also plays a major role in unity among different regions. 

President, Sports and Culture Welfare Society, Chuchot, Tashi Zangpo said that the tournament is organized to pay tribute to the brave Indian Army who fought Kargil War in 1999 during which 527 soldiers were martyred and 1363 soldiers got injured while defending the motherland. 

The inaugural match was played between Tip Top Club 20 and United Latoo, Kargil. Opting to bat first, Tip Top Club 20 scored 131 runs in 19.4 overs with top scorer Jigmet Kalon with 38 runs in 26 balls.  Chasing the set target United Latoo Kargil managed to score 105 runs in 18.4 over with top scorer Syed Iftikar 24 runs in 24 balls. Thus, Tip Top Club 20 won the inaugural match by 26 runs. 

Tip Top Club 20 player Tundup Namgyal won the man of the match title.