Srinagar, November 19, 2024: In celebration of the 19th Foundation Day of the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) and the 4.0 National Industry-Academia Conclave, GR8 Sports India Pvt. Ltd., in partnership with the CIED-IUST Foundation, launched a green initiative titled “We Plant a Tree for Every 3 Bats We Sell.” This plantation drive took place at the IUST campus, inaugurated by Shri Balbir Singh, Northern Head of SIDBI, with support from CIED-IUST Director Dr. Parvez Ahmad Mir and founders of GR8 Sports India, Fawzul Kabiir and Mohammad Niaz ul Kabir.
On this significant occasion, GR8 Sports India was also honored with the “Best Performing Global Startup” award, presented by the Minister of Education Ms. Sakina Itoo and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Jenab Nasir Aslam Wani, underscoring the importance of the cricket bat industry to the region’s economy.
Recently, GR8 Sports and CIED-IUST Foundation joined hands to plant six trees for every six scored during the recent Kashmir chapter of the star-studded Legends League Cricket tournament. Such initiatives aim to protect Kashmir’s valuable willow resources, which form the backbone of the region’s cricket bat manufacturing industry. This sector not only drives the local economy but also supports around 1.5 lakh people across 400 factories in Jammu & Kashmir. Given the alarming depletion of Kashmir willow trees, GR8 Sports is responding to years of urgent calls from the industry to preserve this critical resource.
“Our collaboration with CIED-IUST Foundation is more than a green initiative; it’s a pledge to support and sustain an industry that embodies Kashmir’s identity and economy,” said Fawzul Kabiir, Managing Director of GR8 Sports India Pvt. Ltd. “This drive highlights our shared responsibility to keep our natural resources alive, as they are the backbone of the cricket bat manufacturing sector. By planting trees, we are not only nurturing the environment but also securing the future for countless families who rely on this industry.”
The award and recognition received by GR8 Sports further emphasize the startup’s dedication to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. As the cricket bat industry faces the looming threat of depleted raw materials, GR8 Sports aims to create awareness and inspire action through this plantation initiative. Their efforts also highlight the cricket bat industry’s reliance on various other sectors across India, which supply essential materials like cane, rubber, stickers, and thread.
The “We Plant a Tree for Every 3 Bats We Sell” campaign reflects GR8 Sports India’s commitment to sustainability, ensuring the future of Kashmir’s largest manufacturing sector while contributing to the preservation of the environment.
