Agencies DEHRADUN, Jan 10: Showcasing exemplary talent and team spirit, the 11th edition of the Shaheed Memorial Cricket Tournament concluded today with UPES Blue securing the championship title for the fifth consecutive year. Organised under Project Naman, this annual tournament serves as a heartfelt tribute to the bravehearts of the Indian Armed Forces while providing financial and social support to their families. The thrilling final match, held at the Bidholi Cricket Ground, saw UPES Blue compete against Irrigation Haridwar in a high-stakes battle. UPES Blue set an imposing target of 189 runs with the loss of six wickets in 20 overs. Despite a spirited effort, Irrigation Haridwar fell short, scoring 168 runs with eight wickets down, making UPES Blue the champions by 21 runs. Prashant Choudhary of UPES Blue was named Man of the Match for his stellar performance in the final. Mohit Miyan, also from UPES Blue, was recognised as the Best Bowler of the Tournament for his impressive tally of 10 wickets. Aman Negi emerged as a standout player, earning the titles of Best Batsman for scoring 374 runs and Player of the Tournament for his exceptional overall performance. The 11th edition of the tournament inaugurated on January 2, 2025, Late PTR Amit Kumar Anthwal, a valiant soldier from the 4 PARA Special Forces, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation during an operation in the Kupwara Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir. In keeping with the objectives of Project Naman, UPES extended financial assistance of ?5 lakh to the family of Late PTR Amit Kumar Anthwal, along with a job opportunity for one family member, as a gesture of gratitude and respect. The tournament featured the participation of eight competitive teams from across Uttarakhand, including UPES Blue, PWD, Irrigation Haridwar, UPCL Roorkee, Agriculture, Pay Jal Department, MDDA, and Jal Sansthan. Over the course of the tournament, the teams displayed outstanding sportsmanship and camaraderie, contributing to the event's continued success and significance. Project Naman, an extension of the annual Shaheed Memorial T-20 Cricket Tournament since 2014, operates on a non-profit basis with sponsorship from UPES and its staff. Aligned with UPES's purpose-driven philosophy, Project Naman and other CSR initiatives reinforce the university's commitment to community impact. |