Mandi (Munish Sood)
The Mandi Cricket Association held a grand felicitation ceremony to honor its under-14 boys’ team for their victory in the district cricket tournament on Sunday. The team defeated Una in a thrilling final match at the International Stadium, Dharamshala, to clinch the title.
The event was graced by Ajay Rana, president of the Mandi Cricket Association, as the chief guest, alongside Mandi Mayor Virender Bhatt Sharma, who was the guest of honour.
Other notable dignitaries included councillor Raja Singh and former Deputy Mayor Vishal Thakur. Addressing the gathering, Rana praised the players and their coach, Manish Gupta, for their dedication and teamwork.
“The hard work of the players and the unwavering guidance of their coach have brought this title to Mandi. This achievement is a testament to the potential of our young cricketers,” said Rana. He also emphasised the association’s commitment to improving facilities for budding players.
Captain’s knock by Aadish Minhas in final
The tournament, organised by the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) in December, began with 12 teams from across the state. Mandi faced tough competition but showcased resilience and skill throughout the tournament.
In the quarterfinals, Mandi defeated Solan on a first-innings lead, and in the semifinals, they registered an impressive 96-run win against Bilaspur. The final against Una, however, was the true test of their character.
After a shaky start in the final, with the team reduced to 30 for 5, Captain Aadish Minhas and teammate Vaidushya turned the game around with a brilliant partnership. Aadish scored an unbeaten 53 and Vaidushya contributed 45, helping Mandi post a total of 212.
Rain delays on the second day added to the pressure, but Mandi’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Aadish, restricted Una to 155, securing a first-innings lead and ultimately the championship.
Aadish was named Man of the Match, while Arnav Thakur received the Man of the Series award for his consistent performance.
Coach credits success to rigorous training sessions
Coach Manish Gupta credited the team’s success to rigorous training sessions, strategic planning, and the players’ determination. “Our focus was on building a strong foundation of discipline and teamwork. The boys showed exceptional character under pressure, which made all the difference,” he said.
Ajay Rana highlighted the role of parental support in the players’ journey, saying, “Behind every successful player is the encouragement and sacrifice of their families. This win is a collective effort of the players, coaches, and parents.”
Over 50 national players produced by Mandi Cricket Association
Mandi Cricket Association has been a cradle for talent, producing over 50 national-level players in the past. With this victory, the association aims to further nurture young cricketers and provide them with advanced facilities and exposure to higher-level competitions.
This triumph has inspired local youth, igniting a renewed passion for cricket in the region. As the young players bask in their well-deserved success, the community looks forward to seeing them make their mark on the national stage in the years to come.
“These boys are the future of Indian cricket,” Rana said as he congratulated the team and encouraged them to stay grounded and focused on their journey ahead.
