One World One Family Cup & Distribution of Sporting gear to school children, 18th Jan 2024
The historic ‘One World One Family Cup’ was held on 18th January 2024 at ‘Sai Krishnan Cricket Stadium’ in Muddenahalli, Chikkaballapur. Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh inaugurated the new cricket stadium – Sai Krishnan Stadium, at Sathya Sai Grama. It was a true demonstration of Vasudaiva Kutumbakham – One World One Family, with 2 teams of 24 players from 7 different nations participating with one cause – free nutrition, education, and healthcare for needy government school children.
It was exhilarating and thrilling to see legendary players at their best – Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Muthiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Venkatesh Prasad, Harbhajan Singh, Naman Ojha, Upul Tharanga, Alviro Peterson, S Badrinath, Ashok Dinda, Ajanta Mendis, Monty Panesar, RP Singh, Danny Morrison, Parthiv Patel, Md Kaif, Darren Maddy, Alok Kapali, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Jason Krejza, Mkhaya Ntini, and of course, the dynamic brothers – Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan. Sachin led team – ‘One World’ won the T20 format led OWOF cup.
Two key initiatives to empower the grassroots sports talent in India were launched – ‘Sports for All’ initiative led by Sachin Tendulkar and the ‘Sunil Gavaskar Cricket Academy.’ A few children and teachers from the government schools around Sathya Sai Grama were invited to the cricket match and the valedictory function following the match. They were presented with sports kits by Sachin Tendulkar and Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai as a mark of encouraging them to pursue sports. Sadguru further announced the sports kits to be given to 1000 such government schools to create sports culture and awareness among the children and the public.
Recognizing their untapped potential, renowned cricketer Sachin Tendulkar emphasized that with the right support in the form of sporting equipment and encouragement, these children have the capability to blossom into skilled athletes. He further expressed his vision of a future where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to explore and excel in sports.
SPORTS FOR ALL: Empowering Young Athletes in Rural Hinterlands of India
We could even notice children holding the sports equipment with pride at their respective schools.
It was an experience of the power of unity. The children are the future of the world, and uplifting those who need help uplifts the entire country and the world, for we are all a connected whole — Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakham — One World, One Family.
