Mumbai: Churchgate Centre emerged champions of the 34th LIC Kalpesh Govind Koli Memorial Cricket Tournament after defeating Thane Centre on the basis of a crucial first innings lead at the New Hind Sporting Club ground in Matunga. Skipper Aarush Kolhe starred with a magnificent innings of 163 runs and was adjudged Player of the Final.
Thane Centre were bowled out for 138 in the first innings before Churchgate Centre responded with a commanding 370 for 7 in 124 overs. Alongside Kolhe’s marathon knock, Nikhil Gurav contributed 77 while Shardul Fagare added 68 to consolidate Churchgate’s dominance.
Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer attended the prize distribution ceremony as chief guest. Interestingly, Jaffer himself had played in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 1991. Mumbai Cricket Association President Ajinkya Naik, Assistant Secretary Umesh Khanvilkar and LIC Regional Manager I. Prabhakaran were also present.
Addressing the young players, Jaffer stressed the importance of discipline, consistency and trust in practice, stating that the responsibility of carrying forward Mumbai cricket’s rich legacy now lies with the younger generation.
Special honours were also presented during the ceremony. Ranveer Singh, Aarav Sethi and Jay Mhatre received the Late Govind Koli Memorial Special Award for achieving hat-tricks during the tournament. Senior sports journalist Sharad Kadrekar was honoured with the Late Vivi Karmarkar Memorial Award, while India Under-19 captain Ayush Mhatre and Abhigyan Kundu were felicitated for their achievements.
