Panchkula: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini Monday inaugurated the grand finale of the Namo Cricket League at Tau Devi Lal Cricket Stadium, Sector 3, setting the stage for a week of high-octane cricket action that will culminate with the final on Oct 4.Launching the knockout phase, Saini said Haryana’s sporting culture and achievements had made the state a powerhouse in Indian sports. He highlighted the state’s continued investment in athlete welfare, coaching and sports infrastructure, stating that talent must be backed by proper nutrition, training and institutional support.“Champions are not forged by passion alone,” he said, adding that Haryana’s policy of identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots has helped athletes excel on national and international platforms.The chief minister also used the occasion to reinforce the anti-drug message associated with the tournament, administering a Nasha Mukti pledge to players and spectators. He said the league was not merely a sporting competition but also a campaign to channel youth energy towards sports and away from substance abuse.Organisers claimed the league is set to become the world’s largest grassroots cricket tournament, with participation from around 3,400 teams and 55,000 players across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Efforts are under way to seek recognition from the Guinness World Records, they said.From Panchkula district, Billa village emerged champion among 92 teams to qualify for the final round.The matches will be streamed live across multiple OTT platforms.Prize MoneyChampions: ₹21 lakhRunners-up: ₹11 lakhThird place: ₹5 lakhFourth place: ₹2.5 lakhThe Player of the Series will receive an electric vehicle, motorcycle and laptop.
