Srinagar: Parents of Under-14 cricketers from Kashmir Division have urged the Youth Services & Sports Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, to postpone the upcoming Inter-District Under-14 Boys Cricket Matches scheduled to begin in Kishtwar from October 12, 2026.
In a representation addressed to the Director General, Youth Services & Sports Department, the parents said the tournament dates coincide with the Final Term Examinations for students of Classes 1 to 9 across Kashmir Division and some districts of Jammu Division.
According to the parents, the examinations are scheduled to commence from October 10, leaving the young cricketers with little time to balance their academic responsibilities with participation in the inter-district tournament.
They said the players representing different districts are school-going children and their participation in matches during the examination period could create difficulties in appearing for their examinations and adequately preparing for their academic commitments.
The parents have therefore requested the department to reconsider the tournament schedule and explore the possibility of postponing the matches until around October 20, or another suitable date after the examinations are completed.
“We sincerely hope that the department will consider the academic interests of these young athletes while also ensuring their continued sporting opportunities,” the parents said in their representation.
The parents also pointed out that the proposed postponement would not adversely affect the players’ chances of representing Jammu and Kashmir at the national level.
The National Under-14 event is scheduled to be held in Madhya Pradesh in the first week of January 2027. They argued that shifting the inter-district tournament by a few days would still provide sufficient time for the selection of players, preparations and participation in the national competition.
The request comes amid growing emphasis on balancing competitive sports with the academic commitments of young athletes. The parents said they were not seeking cancellation of the tournament, but only a short adjustment to ensure that children are able to appear in their examinations without having to choose between education and sport.
The representation has been submitted in the hope that the Youth Services & Sports Department will coordinate with the concerned authorities and consider a revised schedule in the interest of both education and sports.
