Hyderabad :

“Every child has a right to play. When a child comes to me for coaching in cricket I don’t look at his talent. He has every right to play whatever the sport he enjoys, said Daniel Kanaparthi of Daniels Cricket Academy, who conceived the idea of Slum Premier League, a T:20 tournament for slum children. He said so while speaking at the brief inaugural function of the League held today morning at a Daniel’s Ground at Peerzadiguda.

The inaugural match was played between Vidyanager Gold and Charminar Titans.All the teams will be playing three matches each. This League will continue for next five days.

The names of the teams competed include Puranapul Nawabs, Kanchanbagh Warriors, Charminar Titans,Chanchalguda Sultans, Vidyanagar Gold, Uppal Rockets, Kishanbagh Sardars, Gadi Kotta Racers, Banjaragadd Diamonds, Habshiguda Wizards, Boduppal Jaguars, Manikeshwar Nagar Lions, Amberpet Panthers, Nacharam Angels,Maheshwaram Kings and Veerappa Gadd Thunder.

Srinu from Maheshwaram Kings took five wickets against Puranapul Nawabs. All the matches were played in Daniels Academy Grounds.and Sager Grounds in Uppal Peerzadiguda.

Welcoming the gathering at the inauguration, Daniel, the organizer said said when children play, the world wins. “Unfortunately, less previleged children do not have such luxury to play the game. All they can do is what sitting on a wall while others are playing. Every child has right to play, right to rise and shine. Sport is a Friendship. Sport is a Health. Sport is an Education. Sport is a life. Sport brings the world together he said and added that 70 per cent of Indian Cricketers came from an humble background like yours.”

Dhoni was a Ticket Collector, Virender Sehwag used to travel 84kms by bus everyday to practice cricket. Ravindra Jadeja is son of a security guard. He lost his mother at 17 years. Harbhajn Singh thought of moving to the US to drive truck for a living. Umesh Uadav is a son of coal miner. Mohammed Shami is a son of a farmer. Wasim Jaffer is a son of a bus driver. He is the highest run-getter in Ranji Matches till date. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, a son of a sub inspector, struggled to get a proper playing shoes and kit. So you too have future to be a great cricketer once Daniel told them.

“There is a unlimited growth in Aata(sport) and Paata(Song). The strength in Slum Premier League is in its word ‘Slum’. When i took objection to using ‘Slum’ in the name, Daniel, the organizer explained me that it is the strength and identity, i was convinced the importance of the tournament,” said chief guest BJP National General Secretary Muralidhar Rao who inaugurated the game.

The entire auditorium reverberated with motivational messages, songs, quotes on sportsmanship, bravery, championship etc.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express Features / August 10th, 2016