Pokhara Inter School Cricket Tournament Empowers Young Athletes
The recently concluded Pokhara Inter School cricket tournament was a resounding success, despite the rainy weather that challenged the final few days of play. From 8th-19th June, 16 government schools in Pokhara Metropolitan City came together. A total of 480 children aged 11-16 years showcased their immense talent and passion across 54 exhilarating matches.
Partnership milestone with the MCC Foundation
This tournament marks another milestone in Kidasha’s ongoing partnership with the MCC Foundation, as we continue to champion the power of sports in enhancing children’s physical and mental well-being while fostering social and leadership skills.
Culminating in the grand stage of the Pokhara International Stadium, the semi-finals and finals took place on June 18th and 19th, showcasing the cream of the crop from the participating schools.
The finalists were:
Girls – Siddha Secondary School vs Barahi Secondary School
Boys – Tribhuvan Shanti Secondary School vs Janapriya Secondary School
Ultimately, the champions emerged with Siddha Secondary School triumphing by two wickets, displaying their exceptional skills and teamwork.
For the boys it was Tribhuvan Shanti Secondary School who secured victory by eight wickets, leaving an indelible mark with their remarkable performance.
At the conclusion of the tournament, accolades were bestowed upon the winning teams, as well as the recognition of the best batters and bowlers in both boys’ and girls’ categories, honouring their outstanding performances throughout the event.
Rachana’s remarkable journey
One such inspiring story is that of Rachana, a 15-year-old student from Class 10, who participated in the tournament and earned the title of the best batter. Her remarkable journey began in 2019, when she first picked up a cricket bat through this project. Despite facing challenges due to lockdowns, Rachana showcased her skills in the 2022 tournament and was subsequently invited to join the district cricket academy. Today, she not only represents the Gandaki Province Women’s team but also captained the MCCF XI in the prestigious Equality Cup in Biratnagar. Rachana’s heartfelt gratitude resonates deeply.
The first time I picked up a cricket bat was in 2019 as part of this project. Although I hadn’t been able to practice much because of the lockdowns, I played well in the first tournament in 2022 and was invited to join the district cricket academy. Since then, I have played regularly for the Gandaki Province Women’s team. If it hadn’t been for this project, I would never have played cricket let alone reach this level.”
Rachana (above)
Community support
The tournament not only attracted the attention of fellow students, teachers, and an increasing number of parents but also drew the keen interest of coaches from various cricket clubs and academies. Ten exceptional talents, including five girls, were offered the opportunity to join these esteemed clubs and academies, a testament to their exceptional potential.
Furthermore, the tournament received high praise from one of the umpires, who expressed sheer delight in witnessing the incredible excitement and engagement displayed by the players and their supporters throughout the event. It stood as a remarkable opportunity for children from government schools to shine and showcase their true potential.
I really enjoyed this tournament – I’ve rarely seen such excitement and engagement from the players and supporters from start to end. It was a great opportunity for children from government schools.”
Umpire Feedback
At Kidasha, we believe in the power of sports to transform lives. The Pokhara Inter School cricket tournament exemplifies our commitment to empowering young athletes, nurturing their talents, and providing them with opportunities to excel. We are immensely proud of the achievements and growth of these aspiring cricketers, and we remain dedicated to creating more platforms to harness their potential and uplift their spirits.
Together, let us celebrate the triumphs, teamwork, and resilience displayed during this tournament, as we continue to shape bright futures for the young generation in Nepal. Sign up for our newsletter for more updates on our efforts to transform lives and create a more inclusive sporting landscape.
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