The journey, which was kicked off on the 1st November 2017, was played out in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh with around 5000 matches being played covering different stages over 45 days and more than 48,000 people participating. Exclusive Women teams also participated in the competition with enthusiasm with more than 60 women teams registered with around 1000 women participated in the games.
Former Indian captain Kapil Dev, Cabinet Minister Shreekhand Kripalani, MP Arjunlal Meena, Municipal Corporation Mayor Chandra Singh Kothari, Vander Patni, Vice Chairman of Wonder Cement, Vivek Patni, Managing Director of Wonder Cement, Joint Director Development Patni, HRH Group Target Raj Singh Mewad, Superintendent of Police Rajendra Prasad Goyal witnessed the final match held at Udaipur yesterday with thousands of spectators and enjoyed the game. Tarun Singh Chauhan, Management advisor of Wonder Cement and the Wonder had a special contribution in making this whole tournament successful and record-breaking.
Impressed with the budding talent thrown up during the tournament, the former Indian Skipper Kapil Dev encouraged the players and motivated them to do their best. Appreciating the tournament, Mr. Kapil Dev awarded the cash prize of Rs. One lakh from his personal side to the best player of the tournament Sushil Meena from SSC Club- Jaipur. Sushil Meena also received prize money of Rs. 35,000 from the organizers, Wonder Cement.
The winning team in the men’s category was given away prize money of Rs. 3, 50,000 with the champion trophy. The runners-up teams were awarded the cash prizes of Rs 1, 00,000 and Rs.70, 000 respectively. Woman champion team was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 1, 40,000 and the winner trophy with certificate while a cash award of Rs. 70,000 was given to the runner-up team. Each player was provided with the sports kit. Total Prize money awarded in the tournament was Rs. 40 Lakhs.
Man of the match was Lakhan of SSC Club - Jaipur, the best batsman was Sushil Meena of SSC Club. The best fielder was Sanjay Bhadania of PCA 11- Gujarat and the best bowler was Kushal Kaushik of Friends Club- Rajasthan. Each of them was awarded the cash prize of Rs. 7000/=. In the women’s category, Udaipur's Divya was declared the Player of the Match and given prize money of Rs. 3500. She was also declared the Player of the series and was awarded Rs. 14000.
Marking the final countdown, Vivek Patni, Director, Wonder Cement said, “Wonder Cement Saath7 Cricket Mahotsav 2017 has set a new precedent globally by being the first of its kind tournament in its scale, reach and participation.” I am glad that the goal of having this tourney has been largely achieved with the huge participation across the states and I hope that the sporting spirit generated through this event sustains and benefit the states and the nation.”
Kapil Paji' enjoyed the match:
Kapil Dev, the former Indian captain's, enjoyed the full match as a common audience. Where he also applauded good shots and gave tips about improving the fielding expressed concerns about poor fielding. Kapil Dev was very excited to see the spectacular batting of the batsman and enthusiastic participation by young men and women from Tehsil, District and Zonal level.
An atmosphere of enthusiasm on the field:
From the arrival of guests at the DPS School, to the sound of the drum to the ground and the festive atmosphere of cricket filled the thrill of every audience present there. To cheer up their team on the playground, the supporters were constantly encouraging them by hooting in their favor. The broadcast of the match was live on the Neo Sports channel and the audience's passion was doubled after seeing it on the screen.
Picture Discription:
Winning Team - Shri Shyam Cricket Club- Jaipur celebrating with Mr. Kapil Dev