Opportunities lost but hopes are still alive

Nagpur, April 30

It had been a hard struggle for them in the Ovid period but they could see a glimmer of light at the end of the tune. Throughout the year the players prepare themselves to deliver their best in the tournaments but this year the Covid-19 pandemic has shattered the dream of some city persons as they turned positive and could not able to participate in their respective state or national-level events. However, today not regretting much they are looking forward leaving behind the unfortunate past.

Take the example of Vidarbha women team batsman Shivani Dharne who was selected in VCA team for the senior national one-day tournament. However, before the team departs for Chennai she tested Covid positive. “ It was really a frustrating thing when you worked really hard and earned a place in the team but could not able to participate in the tournament due to Covid. Women cricketers hardly get opportunities in the country and in such a situation to test covid positive delivered a big blow. Earlier I was very depressed but gradually I recovered from it. My coaches and parents motivated me a lot in this period and I learned the main thing that as a sportspersons we have to be very strong to deal with any situation”.

The case of national and university swimmer Rishika Bodele is very similar. She was selected to represent RTM Nagpur University in the trials for World University Games. However, before leaving for Bengaluru for the trials she was shattered when she came to know that she was Covid positive. “ I had no option but to withdraw myself from the trials. At one time I was so nervous that I lost all hopes and even decided to leave the swimming permanently but thanks to my coach who encouraged me in difficult times and helped me to have a fresh beginning”.

Rishika said there was a blessing in disguise for her when the World University Games were postponed for one year and she will get one more opportunity. “Hopes rekindled for me. I will get one opportunity more. Once again I will try my best”.

Vidarbha's talented wicketkeeper batsman Siddhesh Wath was very eager to make his mark in Syed Mushtaq Ali T-20 Tournament. In fact he scored good runs in practice matches and Guzder League. But since he tested Covid positive, he could not able to participate in the tournament and spend 14 days in quarantine. “ Earlier I feel very bad because I scored good runs in the practice matches but later I realised that nothing was in my hand and it is a part and parcel of life. After two, three days I became normal and started to look forward for further opportunities. Then I got the chance to represent Vidrbha in Vijay Hazare trophy. During 14-day quarantine period I learn how to remain positive even in difficult times.

Still going thru lot of trauma, VCA helping me a lot: Trevor

Former Vidarbha Ranji player Trevor Gonsalves was very excited when he was appointed as VCA senior coach for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. However later he suffered a double blow when he tested positive and at the same time also lost his wife due to Covid. “I am still shattered and have not recovered from the shock. Nobody in his life should face such situation. In 2018 before Under-23 tournament start, I lost my mother, and now in 2021 my wife. But I am very thankful to VCA administration for supporting me in difficult times”, said Trevor who turned very emotional.