For the very first time in the history of NFC, a ‘cricket match’ was organized by Puja Jain and Rahul Chhabra [both residents of NFC and members of the Management Committee of NFC RWA (Ashoka Park)] on 17.12.2023 between residents of A, B and C Blocks of NFC. All 799 houses in the 3 blocks were thoughtfully divided into 2 Groups of 12 players each, where the 12 players were mandated to be a mix of 6 men and 6 women with age group being 30+ till eternity (the oldest player was aged 73…vow !). Colours assigned to the 2 Groups were RED (Group-I, House Nos. A-1 to B-400) and BLACK (Group-II, House Nos. B-401 to C-799). The gathering on the penultimate day and the enthusiasm amongst the players and the spectators was evidence enough to depict the immense HARD WORK and the METICULOUS PLANNING OF EVERY DETAIL by the DUO that had gone into preparation of making the event an absolute success. All of us just have to appreciate and laud them for their efforts. Even though I am a resident of ‘Block-D’, I could not hold myself back (once I got to know of the match) and was amongst the many spectators along with my grandchildren. Inauguration was by 4 super senior citizens of NFC by bursting balloons. It was overwhelming to see the super seniors come early on a wintry morning to do the honors.
The entire setting of the field as if an international CRICKET MATCH is gonna be played, the GREEN PITCH, the NEAT WHITE MARKING OF THE CREASE, the WICKETS AND BAILS, the UMPIRE, the BOYS TO SCORE, the ENORMOUS WHITE BOARD to display the SCORE for convenience of the spectators, the WHITE MARKING OF THE BOUNDARY and DETAILING THE BOUNDARY WITH CLEANLY PLACED CONES, the YELLOW TENNIS BALLS to play with, several bats of all weights and sizes for convenience of the batters, the RED AND BLACK TEAMS all nicely dressed up in the most appropriate attire. Not to miss the GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS neatly stacked on a beautifully decorated table, CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION to all 24 players, 2 GOLDEN CUPS (one each) for the MAN OF THE MATCH and LADY OF THE MATCH, and last but not the least, a 50% DISCOUNT VOUCHER BY PEBBLE STREET FOR EACH OF THE 12 PLAYERS OF THE WINNING TEAM, with each voucher admitting 4 people valid throughout the day from 11.00 am till the end of the day.
I had a chance to speak with both Puja and Rahul, who were just simply ecstatic and full of gratitude for Punit Nayyar (Director, Gulshan Properties), Ashish Ahuja (Pebble Street), Rahul Chhabra (Delhi Prints), Nathu’s Sweets, and our own 2 residents of NFC, without whom the event could not have been what it was. Punit’s presence at the match from morning till end added more fun. The players were handed awards at the awards ceremony by Punit, who seemed satisfied at the wonderful organization by the DUO of Puja and Rahul. The EATS were a massive spread of Matar Kachori and Aloo Sabzi, Brown Bread Veg Sandwiches, Samosas, Rasberry Rasgullas, Popcorn, Potato Wafers, fresh Expresso Coffee, Herbal Tea, fresh Ginger and Masala Tea.
All I can say is that it was nothing but sheer FUN and ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT all the way !! Even at the end, players and spectator residents congratulated the DUO by saying ‘YEH DIL MANGE MORE’ !!!….the shy reply by the DUO was “…picture abhi baki hai doston..” Way to go Puja n Rahul, we await more such events which help build bonds for the community.
