Sargun-Saroj/Mohali / Chandigarh
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the District Cricket Association Mohali was held today and was presided over by President Colonel Sandeep Bhanot. The meeting was attended by Secretary Mr. Manjinder Singh Bittu, along with many prominent members of the association.
During the meeting, President Colonel Bhanot extended his congratulations to all members for the district's impressive victories in three major cricket championships: the Katoch Shield, the Under-23 age group competition, and the Under-19 category. These triumphs marked a significant milestone for Mohali Cricket and were celebrated by all in attendance.
In his address, Colonel Bhanot highlighted the ongoing efforts to further develop cricket in Mohali. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting academies that are managing grounds and facilities, duly acknowledged by the District Cricket Association. This, he believes, would help create an ecosystem that encourages young talent to flourish.
Mr. Manjinder Singh Bittu's emphasis on transparency, fair selection, and the values of honesty and dedication.
In his address, Colonel Bhanot highlighted the ongoing efforts to further develop cricket in Mohali. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting academies that are managing grounds and facilities, duly acknowledged by the District Cricket Association. This, he believes, would help create an ecosystem that encourages young talent to flourish.
To make cricket more accessible and attractive to the youth, Colonel Bhanot proposed a partnership with international and IPL players of Mohali to collaborate. His vision is for these players to engage with young cricketers, inspiring them to pursue the game with passion and dedication. "When youngsters see and interact with these accomplished players, it will instill a sense of pride and motivation," he said.
In addition to the focus on youth development, Colonel Bhanot also proposed a strategic plan to bring more sponsorships into the fold. He suggested approaching various industries and reputed builders to sponsor the game of cricket, thus ensuring the growth and sustainability of cricket infrastructure in the region.
A key proposal for the future of Mohali cricket is the division of the district into six zones, which would bring cricket grounds closer to the players and reduce the time and effort spent on travel. This, Colonel Bhanot believes, would make it easier for young players to access proper facilities and training sessions, enabling them to focus more on their skills.
Looking to the future, Colonel Bhanot also spoke about expanding the cricketing horizon to include more girls in the sport. He stressed the importance of developing a girls' cricket team, and encouraged the association to approach schools and educational institutes to recruit young female players. To further motivate girls to take up the sport, he proposed offering a handsome discount on coaching fees.
As the District Cricket Association celebrates its first anniversary, the emphasis on growth, inclusivity, and community engagement is clear. With initiatives to promote both boys' and girls' cricket and an emphasis on fostering talent through recognized academies and strategic partnerships, Mohali is poised to become a cricketing hub in the region.