New Delhi, March 29 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed Jammu and Kashmir's emergence as a hub for sporting excellence, congratulating the region's cricket team on clinching their maiden Ranji Trophy title.

Addressing the nation on Sunday during the 132nd episode of his monthly radio programme "Mann Ki Baat", the Prime Minister reflected on J-K's historic victory in the Ranji Trophy final in Hubballi, where the Paras Dogra-led side defeated Karnataka to lift their first domestic crown.

"Towards the end of last month, a highly intriguing contest unfolded in Hubballi, Karnataka, where the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team claimed the Ranji Trophy. The most gratifying aspect is that, after a long wait of nearly seven decades, thi...