[WATCH] Indian Army soldiers play cricket with locals in south Kashmir as video goes viral

A heartwarming video has gone viral showing an Indian army officer playing cricket with the locals in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district. The video has won several hearts online, as the clip has been shared many times on social media. It shows an officer from the 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), a unit known for counter-insurgency operations in the region.

The officer was batting against a fast bowler on a makeshift field. It has drawn crazy attention and praises from the neighbors, many of whom have lauded the Army for engaging with civilians. Seeing the youth play cricket with the Indian Army could be another start in the chapter, as everyone aims to build for progress, peace, and the way forward.

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This isn’t the first time that the Indian Army has used this sport to connect with the people of Kashmir. Three weeks ago, the force had also organized the 11th edition of the Chinar Premier League at the Bipin Rawat Stadium in Baramulla, which is named after India’s first Chief of Defense Staff.

Watch: Indian army soldiers play cricket with locals in south Kashmir

The Chinar league shows 64 sides across the Kashmir Valley, as the main aim of the event is to provide opportunities to the young players to showcase their talent and advance them to the big leagues. There is a long-standing connection between the Indian Army and the Indian cricket team.

The former Indian World Cup-winning captain, MS Dhoni, was awarded the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in 2011, while the best batter of the game ever, Sachin Tendulkar, was honoured as the Group Captain in the Indian Air Force.

Another former captain and the World Cup-winning leader, Kapil Dev, was honoured with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Arm in 2008, as he constantly supported the armed forces and participated in military-related works. India’s first Test captain, CK Nayudu, had a special place in the Indian military service as he was appointed a Colonel in the Holkar Army.