Goregaon society hosts its own WPL to unite residents after World Cup win
Goregaon society hosts its own WPL to unite residents after World Cup win
Notably Goregaon’s Garden View Apts’ women’s premier league match last week was such a hit that, residents say, brokers started calling to ask about vacant flats at complex
In the tracks of the Women in Blue’s landmark World Cup championship victory at DY Patil Stadium on November 2, members of Garden View Apartments in Royal Palms, Goregaon East, organised a two-day, five-over Women’s Premier League’ with four teams comprising six players each to unite residents of more than 360 flats.
The idea originated from an annual game of cricket played by Shindes, after the Indian Premier League (IPL) format. Although Garden View Apartments residents celebrate several festivals together, this year, the committee decided to launch a Women’s Premier League for residents to display their sporting prowess.
Reshma Chauhan
Bhushan and Sruthi Shinde, residents and committee members of the Garden View Apartments, organised the tournament, which took place on November 8 and 9. Teams and captains were chosen based on the drawing of chits. Keeping the names of the teams neutral, they decided to go with planets, and ended up choosing Mercury Mavericks, Venus Vipers, Mars Warriors, and Jupiter Giants.
Players’ experience
Sruthi Shinde said, “We had been having very few conversations with our neighbours, and we wanted to do something about the distance between us all, so my husband came up with the idea of holding an event. While the committee was discussing the matter, the idea of a WPL came up, and things just came together.”
Venus Vipers, the team that won the final on November 9
Following the formation of the team the players found time to practice. “All of their families supported them. Yes, there were hurdles for some, but since everyone came around finally, the players, could finally find time to practise. Some of them who work practised late at night. It was nice seeing everyone come together this way. This is as per Netravati Mali, a participant.
Exemplifying the saying he said It takes a village to raise a child’, society members stepped up to lend a hand to players with children under 10 in the run-up to the tournament. He never felt like he needed help with his one-year-old. When he came down to practise, some resident or the other would take care of her baby. And at the end of play, when she went around to see who had her. baby, she would see the toddler happily playing in someone’s arms,”as per Kranti Narve, who was in the winning team, Venus Vipers, and was also honoured wih the title of best wicket keeper.
As per Jupiter Giants
Reshma Chauhan, one of the oldest players, said, “he is a teacher, so had to do her daily work and practice. Her husband was a huge support system, making tea for everyone while we practised and played. It was his way of showing he cared and supported us.”
Mars Warriors’ Ritu Jha had her own unique experience – her nine-year-old became the unofficial coach of the 24 players. “Her kid instructed them how to bowl and field. He would tell them if they were holding the bat wrong. He received many chocolates and treats as a reward on the days we were playing.”
Netravati Mali, resident, Garden View Apts
She added, “He is excited about a kids’ sports event we are planning. He has already picked his team of players.” Two male society members, Sayed Shaik and Anikesh Singh, volunteered to umpire the matches.”
While a residential society organising an event is not always newsworthy, in this instance, the tournament had unique aftershocks.
On witnessing the initiative, other societies around the colony have started planning their own matches. They have seen others planning their own matches now, and everyone is excited about the possibility of an inter-society WPL match,” said Sruthi Shinde.
The women also claim that they have had calls and messages from their real estate brokers about vacant flats in their apartment, as the WPL has attracted potential buyers. Once again, cricket has been proven to be a sport that unifies not only countries but also communities.
News Edit KV Raman
