Wonder Cement #Saath7 : A Cricketing Revolution

The state of Rajasthan has had a month to cherish. On December 26th 2015, cricket in Rajasthan entered a new era. The Wonder Cement #Saath7 Cricket Mahotsav has taken every village in the state by storm and tomorrow, the showpiece event will come to a grand close with the final, to see who will be crowned champions of Rajasthan.

The Wonder Cement #Saath7 brought to us a unique and refreshing new format to the game India loves the most. It showed us a way in which any person can come together and just play cricket, from teenagers to senior citizens, from corporate employees to daily-wage earners, irrespective of gender.

The tournament saw a mind-blowing 9,000 10-member teams register initially. After a lucky draw decided the final 3,968 teams, spread across 248 tehsils of Rajasthan, which includes over 10,000 villages.

One of the most strikingly unique feature of this tournament is the efforts to promote cricket among women. Any team fielding a woman in their side was given a 7-run bonus, thus providing great incentive for girls, young and old, to join this #Saath7 Cricket Mahotsav.

With the ultimate of this revolutionary venture by Wonder Cement being to promote cricket at a grassroots level, the success of the tournament is incomprehensible. A total of 30 lakh rupees will be awarded as prize money, with small portions going to each the teams who emerge champions of their tehsils, and later their districts and then the zones and finally, the entire state.

The Wonder Cement #Saath7 Cricket Mahotsav has also been witness to a few incredible individual stories.

61-year-old Mera Devi, a Rajasthan native, determined to prove to the world that “age is just a number”, was the captain of one of the teams, comprising of her family members. She participated with a keen interest and passion, thus proving to be an inspiration for the nation.

Another amazing team which registered is a woman-only one  i.e. a team full of women with 10 members.

Last but certainly not the least, a touching and inspiring story is of  a special team, as it comprises of seven players who are deaf and dumb. The tournament thus has given unprecedented opportunities to every sect of the community in enjoying the sport.

Mr. Vivek Patni, Director, Wonder Cement said, “This year started on a very exciting note for us. Every single match is creating a wonder in its way. More than winning and losing, Wonder Cement #Saath7 Cricket Mahotsav is bringing unity and I am glad to say that entire Rajasthan is celebrating it as a festival.”

Now the tournament is in its last stage, with just the one big match left – the final. The final will be played at Udaipur with Shri. Gulab Chand Kataria – Honourable Home Minister, Government of Rajasthan & Mr. Dilip Vengsarkar – Former India Skipper and Chief Selector gracing the event as chief guests. The tournament has already seen big names associating with the event with the legendary Kapil Dev launching the event in November. Broadcast company Neo Sports will be telecasting the final on their channel Neo Prime.

In conclusion, the Wonder Cement #Saath7 Cricket Mahotsav has successfully demonstrated to the entire nation, a format of cricket which assists in social and physical development of the people and also, an effective way to promote grassroots cricket among every household in the country.