In a vibrant show of community spirit, once again, the famous “duo of Puja Jain and Rahul Chhabra who were joined this time by Malini Khatri” of NFC RWA (Ashoka Park), organized an exciting T-15 cricket match in NFC on 1st December 2024 (Sunday) that brought together residents aged between 40-75 years, alongside enthusiastic children aged 10-12 years. The event not only highlighted the talent and passion for cricket among diverse age groups but also fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie within the community.
It could not have been possible without the help and immense support from the two sponsors, viz., Seven Pillar Wellness (with the gym functional at New Friends Club), and Artemis lite Hospital. The intent was fun in addition to promoting physical fitness and social interaction among residents. With weeks of preparation, the TRIO worked tirelessly to arrange the logistics, including securing a suitable venue, setting up the cricket pitch, and organizing refreshments for participants and spectators. Lo behold …!!!!……gosh…..there were PRIZES for spectators too…. just imagine…..a FREE ONE WEEK TRIAL COUPON AT THE SEVEN PILLARS GYM….
To encourage inclusivity, the TRIO ensured that the teams would consist of a mix of residents with each team featuring both men and women, 6 each, from the older age bracket along with a few young cricketers. This approach not only provided an opportunity for the younger generation to learn from the more experienced players but also created an atmosphere where everyone could enjoy the game, regardless of skill level. On the day of the match, excitement filled the air as families gathered at the community ground. Colorful banners adorned the field, and volunteers set up seating arrangements for spectators, ensuring a festive atmosphere. Parents, grandparents, and children cheered enthusiastically for their friends and family members.
The show began with a ‘ZUMBA SESSION’ as a warm-up for all (cricketers and spectators) followed by a bit of stretching to get ready to nail it on the cricket field. Thereafter, the match, played in a friendly yet competitive spirit, began with the older residents showing their skills in batting and bowling, while the younger players brought energy and agility to the game. Many of the older participants, who may not have played cricket in years, revived their love for the sport, showcasing their talent and teamwork. The match was closely contested, filled with moments of excitement and laughter. Some standout performances included those from Puja (yellow team) herself who shocked herself, and everyone else by sending 4 batsmen back to the pavilion and was on ‘hat-trick’…but could not get the third consecutive wicket. Virender (also from the yellow team) was the star performer, excelling in all aspects of the game from bowling, batting and fielding too…uuuffff !! There were outstanding performances from the Blue team who were chasing the score of 302 put up on the board by the yellow team, as well as by the young Param Singh, Arjun and by Mitali and Ashima, who batted exceptionally well, which kept the blue team in the game. The camaraderie between players of different ages was heartwarming. Residents encouraged each other, shared strategies, and celebrated every run scored, demonstrating true sportsmanship.
Beyond the cricket match itself, the event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community bonding. Neighbors who may not have interacted much in the past came together to support one another, forging connections over a shared love of cricket. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, and many residents remarked about the joy of participating in a community event that actively engaged various age groups. The day ended with refreshments, including cold drinks and snacks, which further enhanced the festive mood and allowed everyone to mingle and socialize.
The TRIO’s cricket match was more than just a sporting event. As the day ended with cheerful reminiscing and plans for future events, it became clear that this was just the beginning of many more communal gatherings to come. With a renewed emphasis on fitness, fun, and fellowship, the TRIO aims to organize regular sports events to enrich community life and promote relationships amongst all residents. Here’s hoping for many more matches, adventures, and celebrations that keep our colony’s spirit alive!
